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Many studies reported that individuals with mental retardation demonstrated poor levels of fitness. These low levels could be attributed to different potential factors: sedentary life and fewer opportunities for participation in structured physical activity programs, physical characteristics, lack of coordination and efficiency, infrequent opportunities to practice physical exercise and sport.

Sport is a cultural phenomenon that is often viewed as a product and a reflection of society. Sport is a microcosm of the larger society; it is defined and described within the socio-cultural and socio-historical framework of the values, mores, norms and standards of a specific society or culture. Moreover, it has been recognized that sport training can promote the psychophysical progress of people with mental retardation, by satisfying their primary needs and enhancing their motivation to live. (Imprint: Nova)