You may have physical limitations because of a disability. This may make it harder to exercise, but it doesn't need to stop you from staying in shape. Many people with disabilities participate in a variety of sports and fitness activities.

There are also competitions for athletes with disabilities. The Paralympic Games, started in 1960, is one such competition. Each year the number of nations competing has risen. In the United States, the Special Olympics runs programs across the country for more than 1 million athletes with mental disabilities. Don't be afraid to join a team or participate in sports by yourself. There are many physical and emotional benefits. You will increase your strength and endurance, as well as improve your self-confidence.

Disabled Sports USA
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 217-0960

National Ability Center
P.O. Box 682799
Park City, UT 84068
(801) 649-3991

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
P.O. Box 33150
Denver, CO 80233
(303) 452-1212
http://www.narha.org

Special Olympics International
1325 G Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 628-3630
http://www.specialolympics.org

National Disability Sports Alliance
25 West Independence Way
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 792-7130
http://www.ndsaonline.org/

U.S. Association for Blind Athletes
33 North Institute Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 630-0422
http://www.usaba.org

U.S. Olympic Committee/Disabled Sports Services
One Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 578-4818

Wheelchair Sports USA
3595 East Fountain Boulevard, #L-1
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
(719) 574-1150
http://www.wsusa.org/wsusa