Rio 2016 Paralympic athletes on digital social networks

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze how the participation of Brazilian Paralympic athletes in the Rio 2016 Games influenced the development of their digital social networks until the Parapan-American Games Lima 2019, focusing specifically on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The study was of a quantitative and descriptive nature. The sample included 26 Brazilian athletes. The main findings of the research were that for Paralympic athletes the network that presented the highest growth potential was Facebook. In addition, most participants represent the most popular Paralympic modalities in Brazil: swimming and athletics. It is also noteworthy that athletes with physical disabilities are the most active in social networks when compared with visual and intellectual. The movement of social networks in the context of Paralympic athletes was explored, and considerations that may contribute to the qualification and greater reach of these tools in the Paralympic context as a means of forming a sports culture more qualified.