Sport and Belonging (S&B): 2019 – 2024
This inclusive research aimed to learn about how belonging happens for them through participation in Special Olympics organized sports from the perspectives of Special Olympics athletes (18 – 35 years) who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research was carried out by a collaborative partners from the University of Toronto and Special Olympics Ontario. The S&B project concluded in March 2024. We invite you to explore the project website and download any materials of interest.
[Image description: A photograph of four young adult athletes lined up at the start line of a speed skating track. They wear yellow helmets with their athlete numbers painted in black and are all in standing starting positions waiting for the race to begin. White, bolded text that reads “Sport and Belonging (S&B): 2019 – 2024” lies over the photo. A grey square with text reads, “This inclusive research aimed to learn about how belonging happens for them through participation in Special Olympics organized sports from the perspectives of Special Olympics athletes (18 – 35 years) who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research was carried out by a collaborative partners from the University of Toronto and Special Olympics Ontario. The S&B project concluded in March 2024. We invite you to explore the project website and download any materials of interest,” lies over the photo.]
Sport and Belonging Project
In our Sport and Belonging project, we asked Special Olympic athletes about their experiences. We needed to make sure our research could be easily understood. We wanted to make sure athletes with different abilities could participate. We also interviewed young adult athletes (ages 18-30). This age group is at risk of losing services and friends when moving from child to adult services. We looked at types of sport play, for example: in and out of Special Olympics; in team or individual sports, in traditional or unified sports. We asked about the four ways that belonging can be found. We wanted to know if these four ways can be experienced in: Special Olympics and in other parts of community life.
