Studia Kinanthropologica 2023, 24(2-3):51-58 | DOI: 10.32725/sk.2024.003

Benefits of sport participation for athletes with intellectual impairment

L. Francová, K. Mrštinová, I. Růžička
Univerzita Hradec Králové, Pedagogická fakulta, Katedra tělesné výchovy a sportu

Sports opportunities focused on athletes with intellectual disabilities are undergoing development. The athletic preparation of individuals with intellectual disabilities has its specificities, often requiring a special approach, assistance, and support. In many cases, one or both parents become coaches or accompany their disabled child to sports events. This creates a space not only for necessary support, understanding and development but also for exceptional moments of shared experiences. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives and benefits of sports from the viewpoint of parents. The chosen research method was interviews with parents of children with intellectual disabilities. The gathered information was documented, categories were created based on coding and they were subsequently analysed. The results confirmed that there are benefits of sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their parents. The research describes the impact on motivation, emotional development, independence, self-realization and a sense of belonging. Family support is crucial, especially during inclusive periods, for searching sports activities and goals for families of children with disabilities. Schools and clubs play a supportive role, smaller than in the period before inclusive education.

Keywords: intellectual impairment; involvement in sports; training; competition; parents

Received: November 30, 2023; Revised: January 10, 2024; Accepted: January 29, 2024; Published: February 15, 2024  Show citation

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Francová L, Mrštinová K, Růžička I. Benefits of sport participation for athletes with intellectual impairment. Studia Kinanthropologica. 2023;24(2-3):51-58. doi: 10.32725/sk.2024.003.
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