Responses from Surveyed Sports Clubs and Mentors about inclusion in sports for youth with special needs
An important part of the international SportWay project is the promotion and strengthening of the inclusion of individuals with special needs into regular sports clubs, associations, and activities. On one hand, the project partners (Center Janeza Levca Ljubljana, Cavanis Ex Allievi and Active Austria) aim to improve the participation of children and adolescents with special needs in physical activity and sports. On the other hand, we aim to identify barriers in this process and provide support to coaches and mentors in sports clubs and associations.
Our long-term vision is for international inclusive events like ours within the SportWay project to also increase interest in physical activity and sports among individuals with special needs, as well as enhance the willingness and ability of clubs and associations to welcome such individuals into their practices.
To this end, we planned two accompanying activities for each international inclusive event: questionnaires for sports clubs and coaches who co-create at our events, and interviews with mentors and accompanying persons of participants.
Questionnaires for Clubs about inclusion in sports for youth with special needs
With questionnaires, we aimed to determine whether the interest in joining their programs had increased among individuals with special needs. Additionally, we sought to identify any changes in the understanding of inclusion in sports and potential adaptations in club activities for individuals with special needs. The questionnaires were sent to clubs one month after the event; in Slovenia, 14 such clubs were contacted. We received responses from eight.
Their answers indicate that society is not yet ready to include individuals with special needs into regular programs. We may conclude that neither clubs, coaches, nor parents are prepared at this stage.
Since we anticipated this result based on trends and our understanding of the situation, we also asked questions about inclusion and how coaches perceive this issue. It is also a fact that clubs participating at the “Be a Sportsman” event are inherently more open to such initiatives and potential changes. We believe that if we had reached more clubs, the results would have been more reflective of the broader societal situation.
We maintain that clubs and coaches are not prepared, and parents are not ready to include their children in regular clubs—hence, we do not expect significant changes in clubs. For this reason, we also included questions about inclusion and how coaches perceive it.
On a declarative level, respondents consider inclusion important, and some already implement it in practice (e.g., judo, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming). Generally, associations believe that our society is not yet inclusive, though progress is being made. However, in practice, the situation is far from ideal. They highlight the need for further awareness-raising and state support.
Regarding the recognition of the importance of including individuals with special needs in regular training, respondents see inclusion as important for individuals with special needs themselves and society, though slightly less so for coaches and clubs.
As for the event’s impact on increased enrolment by individuals with special needs, only one response noted new members joining, though it must be emphasized that this was a club already offering programs for individuals with special needs. Most responses indicated no noticeable increase in interest due to the event.
Most associations also did not change or enhance their understanding of inclusion because of the event. However, it is important to note that the “Be a Sportsman” event already involves organizations that are more inclined toward inclusion and accept individuals with special needs as their members. Doing this does require adjustments in training, and in some cases, a higher number of coaches (individualized work). An individual with special needs also affects other participants—in some cases, acceptance and inclusion proceed smoothly, while in others, the group needs more time to embrace differences.
Overall, the prevailing opinion is that sports and physical activity should be accessible to all—though not all sports are suitable for everyone. With appropriate adaptations, continued awareness-raising, and adequate support, opportunities exist for everyone.
Interviews with Mentors
The purpose of this activity was to speak with mentors of participants at the event to discover enthusiasm for various sports activities and, a few months later, check for any increase in interest.
We conducted 20 interviews at the event and received 10 responses via email a few months later. Most interviewees were teachers, while others were educators, caregivers, or counsellors. The majority of their participants were aged 10–14, though the age range spanned from 4 to 58.
About 46% of their students already participate in some form of physical activity. The most popular sports are football, judo, gymnastics, and dance, followed by karate and swimming. Other mentioned activities include handball, basic movement/exercise classes, climbing, hockey, taekwondo, kickboxing, boxing, volleyball, basketball, special sports training, athletics, and horseback riding. Similarly, regarding interest in sports, 17 out of 20 interviewees stated that their institution offers sports activities or encourages participation in sports.
Concerning the impact of the international inclusive event on increased interest or participation in sports, respondents noted greater interest in ball games, more discussions about the importance of movement and sports, and the discovery of new activities at the event.
Regarding actual enrolment in sports activities due to the event, most reported no new sign-ups, though two noted new registrations—though not necessarily linked to the event.
Nevertheless, respondents clearly expressed that such inclusive sports events are highly relevant, especially for children and adolescents with special needs, as they boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Participation in sports benefits individuals with special needs in all areas (physical, social, emotional, intellectual).
Finally, events like “Be a Sportsman” strengthen connections among participants and provide equal access to sports for all, regardless of ability. Such events demonstrate how students with special needs can be included in various activities with proper support and encouragement.
To this end, they suggest additional coaches, individualized support, centralized information (activity offerings, etc.), training and professional support for organizations, guidance for families of children with special needs, events like Be a Sportsman/SportWay, and networking between sports associations and special needs experts.
Conclusion about inclusion in sports for youth with special needs
Although our international inclusive sports-social event may not have had a major direct impact on increasing the inclusion of individuals with special needs in sports activities, we can conclude that it certainly encouraged deeper reflection on the importance of inclusion, the value of movement and a healthy lifestyle for this population, and, ultimately, raised awareness of the benefits of connection, collaboration, and mutual respect among individuals of diverse needs.
We will undoubtedly continue with such events in the future! In Slovenia, the next event will take place in September, notably on Slovenian Day of Sport (September 23rd).
