The commitment to recovery and social inclusion through sport
The European Sports Charter defines sport as any physical activity which, through informal or organized participation, aims to maintain or improve physical fitness and mental well-being, form social relationships or obtain results in competitions at all levels.
We understand, therefore, that physical activity and sports should be a right accessible to all and that they provide numerous benefits for people with mental health conditions. It is a healthy habit that allows them to improve their health and is also a therapeutic, rehabilitative, and social inclusion tool .
Which sport is best for me?
Sport and physical activity have a positive influence on physical health: preventing cardiovascular risks, chronic diseases, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis, and degenerative diseases. They also benefit emotional health, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving cognitive abilities, social skills, self-concept, and resilience. When this activity takes place in community spaces and activities, it further helps to reduce social stigma and self-stigma, and promotes the adoption of socially significant and fulfilling roles.
In this sense, the practice of sport and physical activity can play a very important role both therapeutically and preventively, within the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
In this monograph we look at the practice of community sports activity and the benefits for people with mental health problems through models and experiences.
Featuring
