Impact of Motivation in Promoting Sports Participation among People with Disabilities

Abstract

Sport plays a vital role in facilitating the integration of people with disabilities into society, with motivation being a crucial factor for their participation. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the motivation behind sports participation among people with disabilities, considering age, gender, disability type, and educational level as potential influencing factors. A sample of 205 people with disabilities, recruited from three sports clubs in southern Saudi Arabia, completed the Motivation Scale for Sports Participation of People with Disabilities. Statistical analyses, including independent and one-way ANOVA, were conducted to explore motivation variations based on demographic characteristics. Results indicated higher levels of internal motivation, followed by external motivation among participants. Notably, people with visual impairments exhibited greater external motivation, while those with physical impairments demonstrated significant internal motivation. Age-related differences were identified, with older people showing lower internal motivation but higher external motivation. Furthermore, significant variations in motivation were observed based on educational level, with people possessing higher academic backgrounds displaying elevated motivation levels. Gender-based differences in motivation were not significant. To enhance the engagement of people with disabilities in sports activities, tailored policies considering age, education, and disability type-specific motivations are recommended, aiming to foster a supportive environment conducive to their athletic pursuits.