disabilities

This study aims to explore the experiences and benefits of inclusive sports programs for students with disabilities, focusing on their physical, social, emotional, and educational development. The objective is to understand how these programs impact participants and identify key themes that illustrate their benefits and challenges. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather data from a diverse group of participants. The sample included 29 individuals: 15 students with disabilities, 6 teachers and coaches, and 8 parents of students with disabilities. Interviews were conducted in person or via video conferencing, recorded, and transcribed for thematic analysis. The data were coded and analyzed to identify recurring themes and patterns, with theoretical saturation guiding the final sample size. The analysis revealed four main themes: physical benefits, social benefits, emotional and psychological benefits, and educational and developmental benefits. Participants reported significant improvements in physical fitness, skill development, and health. Social benefits included enhanced social integration, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. Emotional and psychological benefits encompassed increased emotional well-being, psychological resilience, and reduced anxiety. Educational benefits included better academic performance, life skills, and career skills development. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the multifaceted benefits of inclusive sports programs. Inclusive sports programs significantly enhance the physical, social, emotional, and educational well-being of students with disabilities. The study underscores the importance of designing inclusive programs that accommodate diverse needs, providing adequate training for educators and coaches, and fostering a supportive environment. Future research should aim to include larger and more diverse samples, incorporate quantitative measures, and explore the long-term impacts of these programs to further refine and maximize their benefits.

Athletes with disabilities navigate a landscape of unique challenges: limited infrastructure, scarce resources, financial uncertainty, and pervasive social barriers, all alongside the physical and mental demands of elite sport. These pressures can heighten vulnerability to burnout, anxiety, depression, and other psychological risks. Yet, narratives reveal remarkable resilience, determination, and adaptive coping strategies that emerge through lived experience. This paper highlights the critical role of managers, coaches, and technical staff in shaping environments that sustain mental health and performance. By leveraging emotional intelligence, participatory decision-making, ethical reasoning, and cognitive management during crises, leaders can foster cohesion, motivation, and psychological safety. We advocate embedding structured psychological-care protocols within managerial practices, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration with sport psychologists. Synthesizing empirical findings and first-hand accounts, this study presents actionable strategies for optimizing both competitive success and quality of life, emphasizing that holistic, informed management is pivotal to empowering elite athletes with disabilities while safeguarding their well-being.