Dis/ability Sport for “All”

The goal of this chapter is to explore the significant influence of the ideological construction of Sport for “All” as a tool to advance inclusive sport agendas celebrated by organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). We start by surveying the historical development of Sport for All, presenting its key goals, and problematizing the meaning of All. Next, we examine the concept of human rights, as foundational within the Sport for All project, questioning its usefulness. We outline the human development and capabilities approach as a better tool to guide and evaluate efforts to create sporting opportunities for every individual. Furthermore, we suggest that before such an ideal can be achieved, systemic ableism must be identified, confronted, and challenged, inside and outside of Sport, because the ideology of ability is the root of disability oppression. We ask adaptive physical activity practitioners and researchers to be mindful of politically laden slogans, to critically reflect upon the utility of their rhetoric and to creatively and bravely transform Sport so that all movement activities can inherently welcome and celebrate diversely embodied individuals, while dismantling ableism. Only then will we be able to realize the Sports for All Ideal.