Sport and Belonging

for Special Olympics Athletes

Sport Participation

Sport participation happens when people play in games or athletic events. These events can be competitive or just for run. Sports can be done in a group or alone.

The World Health Organization defines sport participation as: “Engaging in competitive and informal or formally organized games or athletic events, performed alone or in a group, such as bowling, gymnastics or soccer (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, 2018).

Four track athletes sprinting.
[Image description: Four Special Olympics track athletes sprint to the finish line.]

Sports can help people make their physical health better. Sports can also help people’s mental health. Playing sports can also help people make friends and feel included. Most research on sport participation has been with people without disabilities or physical disabilities. Our project looks at how sport might help Special Olympics athletes find, or not find, belonging.