Sport In Action works in 28 special needs schools in Zambia, working directly with 823 children with disabilities. We run sport, fun and movement games for children, contributing towards an active lifestyle to children who are often overlooked by society. Teachers working at schools are also trained in handling children with disabilities and in the design and facilitation of sports sessions integrated with life skills. This empowers teachers, building their confidence and leadership skills, as well as ensuring that children receive positive organised sport and Physical Education activities.

By enabling children to participate in sport we contribute to the breakdown of discriminatory attitudes held by many in society. Often children with disabilities are kept hidden away in their homes, their families embarrassed and ashamed of their existence. By placing them in the limelight and displaying their potential and their abilities just like any other child, society begins to realise that they are children in their own right and deserve the love and respect owed to all other children.

Girl with disabilities participates in chikwmpa with other children

Sport In Action contributes further to a change in social attitudes by organising events specifically to raise awareness of children with disabilities and to encourage their participation alongside other members of society. Often marginalised and excluded from national celebrations, in 2008 Sport In Action ensured that children with disabilities participated in an Independence Sports Festival and enjoyed the Independence Day celebrations to the same extent as others. Children participated in athletics, fun and traditional games and a jumping castle. The money raised from the event went towards purchasing sports equipment for children with disabilities.

	Violet Bwalya, silver medallist at 2007 Special Olympics		Athletics for children with disabilities