Special Olympics: Athletes' perspectives, choices and motives. (19th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Everett, Jordan; Lock, Adele; Boggis, Allison; Georgiadis, Emmanouil
• Is Part Of: British journal of learning disabilities. Volume 48:Number 4(2020:Dec.)
• Page Start: 332
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2019-09-19
• Subjects: athletes -- choices -- motives -- Special Olympics -- training; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Learning disabled children -- Periodicals; Learning disabled youth -- Periodicals; 362.3
• DOI: 10.1111/bld.12295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-4187

Abstract

Accessible summary: There is a need for more voiced opinions from Special Olympic (SO) athletes in contemporary literature. Five SO athletes presented their own views on their experiences of participating in sport. SO athletes would welcome more autonomy, responsibility and roles in their everyday sporting participation. Implications for coaches and parents are presented as a consequence of sporting involvement. Abstract: Background: In the past, academic literature and research relating to the Special Olympics (SO) have focused mainly on the parents', professionals' and coaches' views, with some concentrating on the effects of SO on athletes' quality of life. Relatively little has concentrated on the athlete's own perspectives. Therefore, this study set out to examine the under‐researched area of SO athletes' opinions of taking part in sporting activities and their satisfaction during training and competition. Materials and Methods: Five athletes from one SO athletic club agreed to take part in the study. Thematic analysis was used for generating themes in relation to participants' responses. Results: Four themes were identified: (a) platform for voice; (b) intense emotions; (c) social reasons to participate; and (d) nutrition, health and sport. Conclusions: SO athletes' views suggest the need for changes in practice during training and competition. Recommendations are made with the view to further support SO athletes' needs.