Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction A foundational principle of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is the right of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society (UN, 2019). University-based inclusive sports events can offer a structured, professional, and safe environment that facilitates meaningful social interactions and attitudinal changes toward individuals with disability (IWD) (Kim & Kim, 2023). However, empirical research on the experiential impact of such events remains limited. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of participants in a university-based inclusive sports event (UBISE) and to derive implications for promoting sustainable social participation for IWD.
Methodology Thirty-six participants (including individuals with and without disabilities, parents, and event organizers), who participated in a UBISE, took part in one-on-one semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation. The transcribed individual in-depth interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method (Corbin & Strauss, 2008), guided by ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2000). To ensure credibility and trustworthiness, peer debriefing and member checking were conducted.
Results Findings indicate that participation in the event enhanced a sense of belonging and social cohesion, broadened conceptual frameworks regarding disability and inclusion, and facilitated new social connections. The structured university setting increased trust and engagement, while the expertise and inclusive leadership of event organizers played a crucial role in shaping positive perceptions of IWD and social integration.
Conclusions University-based inclusive sports events can serve as a strategic platform for fostering sustainable social inclusion. To maximize their impact, it is essential to strengthen university-community partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Yaejee and Kim, So-Yeun, "Understanding the Experience of Participating in a University-Hosted Inclusive Sports Event" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 35.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/35
Understanding the Experience of Participating in a University-Hosted Inclusive Sports Event
Introduction A foundational principle of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is the right of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society (UN, 2019). University-based inclusive sports events can offer a structured, professional, and safe environment that facilitates meaningful social interactions and attitudinal changes toward individuals with disability (IWD) (Kim & Kim, 2023). However, empirical research on the experiential impact of such events remains limited. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of participants in a university-based inclusive sports event (UBISE) and to derive implications for promoting sustainable social participation for IWD.
Methodology Thirty-six participants (including individuals with and without disabilities, parents, and event organizers), who participated in a UBISE, took part in one-on-one semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation. The transcribed individual in-depth interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method (Corbin & Strauss, 2008), guided by ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2000). To ensure credibility and trustworthiness, peer debriefing and member checking were conducted.
Results Findings indicate that participation in the event enhanced a sense of belonging and social cohesion, broadened conceptual frameworks regarding disability and inclusion, and facilitated new social connections. The structured university setting increased trust and engagement, while the expertise and inclusive leadership of event organizers played a crucial role in shaping positive perceptions of IWD and social integration.
Conclusions University-based inclusive sports events can serve as a strategic platform for fostering sustainable social inclusion. To maximize their impact, it is essential to strengthen university-community partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.