Sports for All — Class 9 Physical Education

This unit argues that sport is a fundamental human right for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability or socio-economic background, as stated in global frameworks like the 2015 UNESCO International Charter of Physical Education and the European Sports Charter. It explores how inclusive sport promotes happiness, unity and good health, while also preserving culture through ethnosport — traditional and indigenous games such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Mallakhamb. The unit identifies key dimensions of inclusiveness — gender, disability, socio-economic, cultural/ethnic and age inclusion — and the barriers that block them, such as a lack of facilities, financial constraints, societal attitudes and geography. It then sets out concrete measures: accessible infrastructure (ramps, tactile walkways, wheelchair seating), anti-discrimination policies, grassroots programmes, inclusive coach training, awareness campaigns and scholarships for underprivileged athletes. A major focus is disability and adapted sport: it explains that disability is not inability, introduces the Paralympic Games (held "alongside" the Olympics, with values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality), and presents disability etiquette and the STEP model (adapting Space, Task, Equipment and People) to make activities inclusive. The unit also covers the young athlete — growth, fair play and the risks of early specialisation — women in sport, including menstrual health and the Female Athlete Triad, and healthy ageing, showing that age is just a number.