Although ID persons have limited conceptual and linguistic abilities, they need to be accepted, to be understood, and to belong. Recreational activities and sports geared to the abilities of ID persons can help bolster self-esteem, develop latent abilities, and provide a social network. Recreational activities can be particularly important in modifying the antisocial and criminal behavior of ID persons. The Australian Sport and Recreation Association for People With an Intellectual Disability was formed in 1986 to encourage the participation of all ID persons in sports and recreation in all States. A central feature of the effort is parallel programming, whereby ID persons are included in the activities of recreation organizations. The activities and competition are scaled to the abilities of the participants. Activities for ID persons include netball, basketball, cricket, tenpin bowling, indoor soccer, athletics, the performing arts, indoor cricket, and ice skating. Four case studies are presented to show how recreational activities contributed to the rehabilitation of ID offenders. 5 references.