Reasons for Participation in Sports: A Qualitative Research on Visually Impaired Turkish Athletes*

Authors

  • Nurcan Engil Manisa Aşık Veysel Sports Club
  • Serranur Dolar Manisa Celal Bayar University
  • Zeynep Onağ Manisa Celal Bayar University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V40-I2-13683

Keywords:

Visually Impaired Athletes, Participation in Sports, Socialization

Abstract

This study examines the reasons why visually impaired Turkish athletes start sports, their motivation to continue and the effects of sports on their lives. Thirteen national athletes in goalball and judo participated in the phenomenological study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with the Atlas.ti program. The reasons for starting sports were determined as guidance, curiosity and discovery; the motivations for continuing were determined as success, support, fun, career and socialization. The effects of sport include self-confidence, socialization, physical and academic benefits, financial gain and self-discovery. It is emphasized that sport increases social participation.

Published

2026-06-22

Issue

Section

Feature Articles