What is it about?

The powerful connection between physical activity and the physical, mental, and social well-being of prison inmates plays a crucial role in their rehabilitation. We argue that by fostering positive shifts in self-identity, physical activity may become a catalyst for transformative change. This holistic approach to rehabilitation utilizes sports and constructive leisure activities as key drivers of desistance, promoting healthier lifestyles and empowering inmates to work on their brighter, crime-free future.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

When we talk about prisons, we often focus on punishment. But what about transformation? Sport provides an extraordinary opportunity for inmates to engage in meaningful leisure, build healthy habits, and reconnect with their physical and mental well-being. It’s a simple yet powerful activity that can reduce the stress and isolation of incarceration while fostering social connections and resilience. But why does this matter? Sport in prisons doesn’t just benefit the inmates; it benefits society. Healthier, more grounded individuals are less likely to re-offend. Engaging in physical activity creates a ripple effect – from improving mental and physical health to fostering pro-social habits that endure beyond the prison walls. It’s not just an investment in inmates; it’s an investment in safer communities. This paper calls for sport to be formally recognized as a cornerstone of prison rehabilitation strategies. If we want to tackle recidivism and foster desistance, we need to embrace the potential of sport as more than just a pastime. It’s time to see it as a rehabilitative tool that empowers change, builds bridges, and transforms lives.

Perspectives

Sport in prisons is not just about breaking a sweat or passing the time. It’s a transformative tool with untapped potential to change lives, shape futures, and even reduce crime. In this paper we dive into the critical importance of physical activity behind bars, exploring its profound link to mental health, rehabilitation, and desistance from crime through the lens of two Eastern European countries – Czechia and Hungary. Through a mix of literature review, legal analysis, and real-life examples from Czech and Hungarian prisons, we in this paper highlight how sport can bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration. It shows that allowing inmates to engage in sports is more than just a perk – it’s a vital part of normalizing prison life and preparing individuals for a smoother transition to life after release.

Tereza Dlestikova
University of Ostrava

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Physical activities in prisons – beyond just sport. Focus on Czechia and Hungary, International Journal of Prison Health, December 2024, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/ijoph-07-2024-0045.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page