Experiences in a multi-sport parasport program: the female adolescent perspective

Abstract

This phenomenological study utilized semi-structured interviewing to understand the experiences of adolescent females (N=3) in a multi-sport parasport program. The results of this study revealed several aspects of the parasport program that influenced participants’ experiences, as well as some potential outcomes of participation. Some key aspects of the program that were addressed by participants included: its para-specific design, the program’s coaches, and the new opportunities for sport engagement that participants were afforded. The program gave participants opportunities for physical development, social development, and changes in self-perceptions, while imparting a desire for continued sport participation. How well the participants were supported by the various aspects of the program influenced the outcomes that they achieved. These findings indicate that adolescents with disabilities’ participation in an introductory multisport parasport program was overall positive, but there is still a need for more parasport opportunities.