5 Fantastic Ways to Award Athletes With Disabilities
According to Disabled Living Foundation statistics, about 13.3 million UK residents suffer from a developmental disability. Like all other children and adults, these people enjoy playing sports and should receive a similar experience from their coaches.
If you coach athletes with disabilities, you want to focus on the effort and strength put forth by these individuals and their families during the season. Finding the perfect end of the season awards will show them the praise they deserve for all their dedication to your team.
5 Award Ideas for Athletes with Disabilities
After a season of perseverance and growth, every athlete deserves proper recognition. While working with disabled athletes, you find that they face special challenges and deserve respect.
Keep reading to discover five unique sports award categories that will make them feel appreciated for their accomplishments.
1. Gold Medals
Every participating athlete on your team overcomes daily struggles that make everyday living activities a challenge. Despite that, they showed up to play and give it their all.
For this, every team player deserves an achievement medal to feel like an olympian. With a team name and date engraved, it will remind them that showing up and offering your best matters in life.
Despite their performance rank for the season, every player added something to that team. The medal will remind them of this and make them feel like they were a part of something great.
2. Perseverance Award
Though everybody overcomes unique struggles throughout the season, you will often see one athlete that persevered throughout the season and refused to quit. Recognize them for their dedication with a special award.
You often see similar trophies given to the most improved player (MIP). This award differs by acknowledging a player that maybe did not progress their skills as significantly as other players, but overcame incredible challenges to stay in the game.
3. Acting Coach Award
Often, coaches focus on what they can teach their team. After all, you want to teach them the sport and help them build overall strength.
But, do not lose sight of what your athletes teach you about life beyond the field. When working with people who face special challenges, you can learn a great deal.
If one player stands out in teaching you about life because of their optimism, wisdom, and leadership skills, recognize them for this with an Acting Coach Award. Help this community of people who may often feel dependant on others realize how much they help you.
4. Adaptivity Award
Most coaches teach specific fundamentals, expecting players to conform. Coaching athletes with a disability requires you to be open to unique techniques.
If somebody on your team uses an awesome adaptive strategy, reward them for this! Encourage creative approaches to life, as this will help your team accomplish things others find impossible.
5. Family Dedication Award
Sometimes athletic awards should go to the family of your players. It takes a real commitment to ensure your family member gets to practices and games and feels supported throughout the process. Encourage this by rewarding the family who shows above and beyond dedication to their star's athletic interest.
Awarding is Rewarding
After a productive season of coaching athletes with disabilities, everybody deserves a day of recognition. At the banquet, you will learn how rewarding it feels to see your team light up over the recognition they receive.
We believe in recognizing people for their accomplishments, as it encourages them to do their best in life. Check out our trophies to find the perfect award for your players.