Insider Perspectives on Saudi Arabia’s Fakher Disability Sports Programme

Abstract

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made many efforts to support people with disabilities. One of these efforts is the Fakher Programme Initiative. The programme provides substantial financial support and training for around 350 para-athletes with physical disabilities or cerebral palsy. This research sought to provide a thick description of the programme’s aims, its successes, and the challenges faced, based on the reports of significant stakeholders. In-depth interviews with 26 participants from different stakeholder groups (para-athletes, coaches, administrators, para-athlete families, individuals interested in para-sports, and the CEO of the Fakher Programme) were conducted individually to provide rich insider perspectives. An interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was applied to analyse the interviews. Two main dimensions were identified: (i) the positive impacts of the Fakher Programme Initiative and (ii) further recommended improvements to the Fakher Programme Initiative. Although most of the participants expressed positive perspectives on the programme (e.g., developing collaboration, health benefits, infrastructural support, and raising awareness of people with disabilities), improvements can be made in the form of psychological support for elite para-athletes in training and more developed national and international media coverage of disability sports in Saudi Arabia.

Empowerment and social inclusion through Para sports: a qualitative study on women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia

“…Differentiating between being introduced to sports and learning values through sports provides a deeper understanding of why people engage in sports. This socialisation process is influenced by a combination of external factors such as location, culture, and available sporting opportunities, as well as internal factors including self-perception, life stage, learning processes, perception, motivation, attitude, and physical traits ( Mullin et al, 2000 ; Ruddell and Shinew, 2006 ; Seal, 2012 ; Sales and Misener, 2021 ; Alhumaid et al, 2022 ; Chen et al, 2024 ).…”

“…The results of this study align with Nagata’s (2008) assertion that the cultural perspective prevalent in the Middle East, which views efforts related to disabilities as a welfare obligation, may not be conducive to the sustainable development of Para sports. Women with physical impairment in Saudi Arabia are also faced with cultural boundaries, such as the freedom to engage in physical activities ( Alhumaid et al, 2022 ). In addition to this, prevailing misconceptions about the capabilities of women athletes with physical impairment can hinder their access to sporting activities which include the lack of female coaches and personnel in Para sports.…”

“…To truly support these athletes, governing bodies within the Para sports movement must be sensitive to financial, time, and cultural constraints that specifically affect women with disabilities, who often lack institutional or interpersonal support ( Alhumaid et al, 2022 ). Consequently, failing to sustain the involvement of today’s women athletes with disabilities will inevitably lead to a decline in participation in the future.…”

“…Although women athletes with disabilities have made great advances in recent years, they still face challenges such as unequal media coverage, limited participation opportunities, issues of intersectionality, insufficient financing, and a need for increased activism ( DePauw, 2000 ; Roy, 2011 ; Moodley and Graham, 2015 ; Kirokosyan, 2021 ; Weiller-Abels et al, 2021 ; Alhumaid et al, 2022 ). To properly empower and celebrate women athletes with disabilities, it is critical to address these concerns and work toward a more inclusive and equitable sports scene where their accomplishments are recognized and celebrated in the same way as those of all other athletes.…”

“…In Saudi Arabia and other arab countries, women athletes with disabilities face a unique set of challenges and barriers in the realm of sports. According to Alhumaid et al (2022) , the challenges faced by female athletes with disabilities in Saudi Arabia can be exacerbated by cultural, religious, and gender-specific issues as well as a lack of awareness and representation. Traditional gender roles and societal attitudes toward women in Saudi Arabia can create barriers for women athletes with disabilities.…”