BlazeSports programs and services are based on an interdisciplinary logic model that addresses the age, skill level, and interest of the child or emerging athlete with a physical disability. Children and their parents are encouraged and shown how to engage in active play that improves kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness, motor planning, and the building blocks of social skills. Specific strategies include basic skills used in multiple sports and innovative initiatives such as Access Recess and Passport to Sport. As children grow and become more engaged in sport, recreation and extracurricular activities, the BlazeSports Model includes school- and community-based sport across the continuum from recreation to competitive teams. BlazeSports clubs provide youth and young adults with opportunities for inclusion in sports and activities along side their peers without disability. Athletes and family needs are addressed in an individualized manner as well as in a group context. Independence and personal empowerment are stressed throughout the BlazeSports delivery model. Additionally, BlazeSports embraces the Longterm Athlete Development Model (LTAD) pioneered by Canadian Sport for Life that includes:
- Active Play (0-5 years)
- Fundamental Movement (6-9 years)
- Learning to Train (9-12 years)
- Learning to Compete (12-19+ years)
- Active for Life (for all ages)
Learn more about the Longterm Athlete Development Model (LTAD) .
Why Exercise?
- improved fitness (e.g. strength, balance, coordination and flexibility)
- higher self esteem
- greater independence
- better academic performance
- higher sociability
- increased ability to perform activities of daily living
- decreased secondary medical conditions such as pressure sores, bladder infections
- prevention of overweight and obesity
- interaction with parents/caregivers in physical activity and movement throughout the day
Forms of Exercise
- Aerobic: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least three days a week.
- Muscle-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least three days of the week.
- Bone-strengthening: As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least three days of the week.
Sources: U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, Canadian Sport for Life, National Association for Sport and Physical Education
