Abstract
Sport has been demonstrably linked to health particularly through community-based education and development programmes. However, research continues to identify low participation rates of people with a disability in sport. Programmes to address the participation of people with a disability in sport can be challenging, particularly in locations in the Pacific region. The primary aim of this project was to determine the activity levels of people with a disability during a cricket programme delivered in Fiji by Cricket Fiji with support from the International Cricket Council based in Melbourne Australia. A secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between levels of physical activity in the programme and self-esteem and indicators of general adaptive functioning. Results showed that means for self-description scales were high. Step count analysis showed a wide range of steps taken during the programme but similar steps between males and females. Correlations between self-description items and steps showed moderate relationships for self-esteem and confidence. This study showed that the programme was able to effectively provide physical activity opportunities for people with a disability and provides context to the development of longitudinal programmes that should aim to improve physical activity participation and health literacy in this population long term.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions and support of the ICC EAP and the Schools in Fiji that facilitated and supported the research. Cricket Fiji should also be acknowledged for their delivery of the programme and assistance and support of the programme of research.