Sport for Little People

People of short stature grow up in a world that is made for others - including in sport. At school and in clubs, many find that they cannot keep up physically with their friends of the same age. This can frustrate them, dampen their enjoyment of exercise or even lead to health problems. Yet many children, young people and adults with dwarfism have a great passion for sport.

This is exactly where the German Dwarf Sport (DKS) comes in: We create sporting opportunities where performance is not determined by body size. Instead of frustration, our athletes experience joy, success and a real team spirit - at eye level.

Our training camps and tournaments not only promote athletic development, but also strengthen respect, tolerance and cohesion. These values have an impact beyond the playing field - they shape self-confidence, social interaction and personal development in everyday life.

Because sport at DKS is about more than just exercise: It's about participation, courage and discovering your own strengths.

Little People at the national youth games

For children with disabilities, there is a special evaluation guideline for the Federal Youth Games, which was drawn up by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS). This takes into account different disability categories - including category E: “small stature” (see page 6 of the guidelines) - and provides so-called multiplication factors for many disciplines (pages 10-11) in order to create fair comparative values.

However, there are currently no assessments for children with dwarfism for long jump and middle distance running.

Thanks to the BKMF's extensive collection of data from athletics competitions in recent years, we can now help to close this gap: Over 600 results - sorted by diagnosis, age and gender - are available as a basis for a fairer assessment of the performances of children of short stature. The disciplines include long jump, short and middle distance running as well as impact ball and shot put.

➡️ The guidelines of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs can be downloaded below.

Federal Youth Games Handbook

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us - or contact the BKMF directly.

Nutrition and exercise

Nutrition: your basis for well-being and performance

Nutrition is something very personal - and yet we encounter social expectations everywhere about how we should eat “properly”. Especially when it comes to diets or “healthy” eating, there are many opinions and myths in circulation. The following therefore applies:

👉 Before you change anything: Take time for yourself and honestly observe your eating habits.

A food diary will help you to recognize your routines - without any pressure or sacrifice. Ask yourself: What do I eat? When do I eat? And how does it make me feel?

A good next step is to follow the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE). For example, choose a food group each week and see what suits you and your everyday life. The aim is not perfection, but conscious decisions - for example: “Only one chocolate bar today instead of two” or “I'll try a new type of fruit”.

💡 Important for athletes of small stature:

• Make sure you have enough energy before training (e.g. through carbohydrates).
• Protein helps with muscle building and regeneration.
• Easily digestible meals before exercise prevent discomfort and keep you fit.
• If you would like specific advice, please contact a certified nutritionist. You can find regional contact points via the DGE or directly via the BKMF.

Exercise: Your key to health & independence

Regular exercise is important - for everyone. For people of short stature, it is particularly important for maintaining mobility and independence. This is because many everyday movements require more effort and energy due to shorter limbs.

So our tip: move as much as you can - and make it part of your routine. Every movement counts!

Tips for more movement in everyday life:

• Consciously walk short distances - e.g. get off the bus one stop earlier.
• Use aids such as a scooter or bike for medium distances.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator - this will strengthen your leg muscles.
• While waiting: bend your knees slightly or stretch your arms out to the side - small exercises, big effect!
• Swimming and cycling are particularly easy on the joints.
• When sitting, change position more often (e.g. Pezzi ball) to activate the core muscles.
• Individual fitness training with professional guidance is ideal - especially to avoid overloading.

Please note:

• Listen to your body and plan sufficient breaks.
• Avoid muscle acidification due to overexertion.
• If you have health restrictions: Talk to your doctor beforehand.

Conclusion:

Conscious nutrition and regular exercise not only improve your health - they also boost your self-confidence and body awareness. Start at your own pace, take small steps and keep at it.

🙌 You don't have to do everything perfectly. But you can start - today!