Structure and Organization of Sport for People With Intellectual Disabilities Across Europe

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Click name to view affiliation

Adriana Marin-Urquiza Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain

Search for other papers by Adriana Marin-Urquiza in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5564-9905
,
Jan Burns Center for Sport, Physical Activity Research (Spear), Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Jan Burns in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7665-4789
,
Natalia Morgulec-Adamowicz Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

Search for other papers by Natalia Morgulec-Adamowicz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3888-633X
, and
Debbie Van Biesen Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Virtus Academy, Virtus World Intellectual Impairment Sport, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Debbie Van Biesen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2754-4679 *
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2022-0212
Keywords:
intellectual impairment; networks; social inclusion
First Published Online:
10 Aug 2023
In Print:
Ahead of Print
Page Range:
1–27
Restricted access

Opportunities to participate and compete in sports for athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have increased; however, this group still encounters limitations in accessing a comprehensive range of sports. This study addressed the current knowledge on how sport for people with ID is organized and the relationships between the major sport organizations for people with ID across 10 European countries. The participants were 29 national sport organizations for people with ID. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with representatives from the key organizations and analyzed thematically. From the results, two major themes emerged: (a) connection and networking between sport organizations and (b) organizational landscape of each nation (i.e., ID, multidisability, or mainstream). The results of this study contribute to understanding how sport for people with ID is organized across the participating nations, demonstrating different models of development and examples of good practice.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Material (pdf 341 KB)
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Cover Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

  • Al-Ababneh, M.M. (2020). Linking ontology, epistemology and research methodology. Science & Philosophy, 8(1), 75–91. https://doi.org/10.23756/sp.v8i1.500

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Baker, C., El Ansari, W., & Crone, D. (2017). Partnership working in sport and physical activity promotion: An assessment of processes and outcomes in community sports networks. Public Policy and Administration, 32(2), 87–109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0952076715625104

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bartlo, P., & Klein, P.J. (2011). Physical activity benefits and needs in adults with intellectual disabilities: Systematic review of the literature. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 116(3), 220–232. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-116.3.220

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage.

  • Braun, V., Clarke, V., & Weate, P. (2016). Using thematic analysis in sport and exercise research. In B. Smith& A.C. Sparkes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of qualitative research in sport and exercise (pp. 191–205). Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Burns, J. (2018). Intellectual disability, special olympics and parasport. In I. Brittain& A. Beacom (Eds.), The Palgrave handbook of paralympic sport (pp. 417–437). Palgrave.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Burns, J. (2020). The participation of people with intellectual disabilities in parasports. Journal of Paralympic Research Group, 13, 41–60.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Burns, J., Carter, A., Draper, S., & Foad, A. (2022). Engaging and sustaining people with intellectual disabilities in physical activity: A narrative review of existing evidence. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2022.2149096

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chilton, F., & Collett, R.A. (2008). Treatment choices, preferences and decision-making by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Musculoskeletal Care, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.110

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cousens, L.L., Barnes, M.L., & MacLean, J. (2012). Strategies to increase sport participation in Canada: The role of a coordinated network. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 12(3/4), 198–216. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2012.052667

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

  • Dairo, Y.M., Collett, J., Dawes, H., & Oskrochi, G.R. (2016). Physical activity levels in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 4, 209–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.06.008

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Diana, A. (2012). Chapter 1. Definitional issues and knowledge gaps. In A.L. Meyer& T.P. Gullotta (Eds.), Physical activity across the lifespan: Prevention and treatment for health and well-being. Issues in children’s and families’ lives (pp. 1–22). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • European Commission. (n.d.). Social inclusion. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://sport.ec.europa.eu/policies/sport-and-society/social-inclusion

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • European Commission. (2011). Communication on sport (2011): Developing the European dimension in sport. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/16589

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • European Union. (2021). Union of equality: Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021–2030. Publications Office of the European Union.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eurostat. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2021, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

  • Favazza, P.C., Siperstein, G.N., Zeisel, S.A., Odom, S.L., Sideris, J.H., & Moskowitz, A.L. (2013). Young athletes program: Impact on motor development. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 30(3), 235–253. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.30.3.235

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Grandisson, M., Tétreault, S., & Freeman, A.R. (2012). Enabling integration in sports for adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 25(3), 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3148.2011.00658.x

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harada, C.M., Siperstein, G.N., Parker, R.C., & Lenox, D. (2011). Promoting social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities through sport: Special Olympics International, global sport initiatives and strategies. Sport in Society, 14(9), 1131–1148. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2011.614770

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harvey, N., & Holmes, C.A. (2012). Nominal group technique: An effective method for obtaining group consensus. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 18(2), 188–194. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2012.02017.x

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • IDEAL project Erasmus+. (2020). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.idealproject.org/

  • Jacinto, M., Vitorino, A.S., Palmeira, D., Antunes, R., Matos, R., Ferreira, J.P., & Bento, T. (2021). Perceived barriers of physical activity participation in individuals with intellectual disability—A systematic review. Healthcare, 9(11), Article 1521. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111521

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kokolakakis, T., Lera-Lopez, F., & Panagouleas, T. (2012). Analysis of the determinants of sports participation in Spain and England. Applied Economics, 44(21), 2785–2798. https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2011.566204

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krahn, G.L. (2019). A call for better data on prevalence and health surveillance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 57(5), 357–375. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-57.5.357

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lantz, E., & Marcellini, A. (2018). Sports games for people with intellectual disabilities. Institutional analysis of an unusual international Configuration. Sport in Society, 21(4), 635–648. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2016.1273612

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lastuka, A., & Cottingham, M. (2016). The effect of adaptive sports on employment among people with disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38(8), 742–748. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1059497

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • MacPhail, A., Lyons, D., Quinn, S., Hughes, A.M., & Keane, S. (2010). A framework for lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity: The Irish perspective. Leisure Studies, 29(1), 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360903253880

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Maxwell, J.A. (2012). A realist approach for qualitative research. Sage.

  • McConkey, R., & Menke, S. (2022). The community inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability: A transnational study of the impact of participating in Special Olympics. Sport in Society, 25(9), 1756–1765. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2020.1807515

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Misener, L.& Darcy, S. (2014). Managing disability sport: From athletes with disabilities to inclusive organisational perspectives. Sport Management Review, 17(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2013.12.003

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nair, R., Chen, M., Dutt, A.S., Hagopian, L., Singh, A., & Du, M. (2022). Significant regional inequalities in the prevalence of intellectual disability and trends from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis of GBD 2019. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 31, e91. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796022000701

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Popescu, G., & Stroescu, S. (2019). Particularities specific to the training of gymnasts with Down syndrome for high-level competitions. Discobolul—Physical Education, Sport and Kinetotherapy Journal, Supplementary Issue, 188–194. https://doi.org/10.35189/iphm.icpesk.2019.29

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Robertson, J., Emerson, E., Baines, S., & Hatton, C. (2018). Self-reported participation in sport/exercise among adolescents and young adults with and without mild to moderate intellectual disability. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(4), 247–254. https://doi.org/.1123/jpah.2017-0035

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Robson, S. (2001). Partnerships in sport. In P. Bramham, K. Hylton, & D. Jackson (Eds.), Sports development: Policy, process and practice (pp. 99–125). Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rubenstein, E., DuBois, L., Sadowsky, M., Washburn, K., Forquer, M., Stanish, H., & Shriver, T. (2020). Evaluating the potential of Special Olympics fitness models as a health intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 13(2), Article 100850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2019.100850

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schalock, R.L., Luckasson, R., & Tassé, M.J. (2021). Intellectual disability: Definition, diagnosis, classification, and systems of supports (12th ed.). American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schinke, R.J., McGannon, K.R.& Smith, B. (2013). Expanding the sport and physical activity research landscape through community scholarship. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 5(3), 287–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2013.847477

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Scior, K., Hamid, A., Hastings, R., Werner, S., Belton, C., Laniyan, A., Patel, M., Groce, N., & Kett, M. (2016). Consigned to the margins: A call for global action to challenge intellectual disability stigma. The Lancet Global Health, 4(5), e294–e295. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(16)00060-7

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, B., & McGannon, K.R. (2018). Developing rigor in qualitative research: Problems and opportunities within sport and exercise psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 101–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2017.1317357

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, B., & Sparkes, A.C. (2012). Narrative analysis in sport and physical culture. In K. Young& M. Atkinson (Eds.), Qualitative research on sport and physical culture (pp. 81–101). Emerald Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Special Olympics. (2020). Out of the shadows: Events leading to the founding of Special Olympics. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.specialolympics.org/about/history/out-of-the-shadows-events-leading-to-the-founding-of-special-olympics

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Special Olympics. (2021). 2021 global reach report. Retrieved April 14, 2023 from https://media.specialolympics.org/resources/reports/reach-reports/2021-Global-Reach-Report.pdf?_ga=2.19779704.1592307926.1681827738-1353029187.1681827738

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Special Olympics Sweden. (2021). För bättre hälsa och glädje. Retrieved April 3, 2021, from https://specialolympics.se/borja-idrotta/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • St John, L., Borschneck, G., & Cairney, J. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of exercise on individuals with intellectual disability. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 125(4), 274–286. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-125.4.274

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Till, K., Lloyd, R.S., McCormack, S., Williams, G., Baker, J., & Eisenmann, J.C. (2022). Optimising long-term athletic development: An investigation of practitioners’ knowledge, adherence, practices and challenges. PLoS One, 17(1), e0262995. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262995

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tweedy, S., & Howe, P.D. (2011). Introduction to the paralympic movement. In Y.C. Vanlandewijck& W.R. Thompson (Eds.), Handbook of sports medicine and science: The paralympic athlete (pp. 3–30). Wiley-Blackwell.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tweedy, S.M. (2002). Taxonomic theory and the ICF: Foundations for a unified disability athletics classification. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 19(2), 220–237. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.19.2.220

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • UN General Assembly. (2007). Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • UN Human Rights Council. (2022). Universal periodic review. Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/upr/pages/uprmain.aspx

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vail, S.E. (2007). Community development and sport participation. Journal of Sport Management, 21(4), 571–596. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.21.4.571

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Van Biesen, D., Burns, J., Mactavish, J., Van de Vliet, P., & Vanlandewijck, Y. (2021). Conceptual model of sport-specific classification for para-athletes with intellectual impairment. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(Suppl. 1), 19–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1881280

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • van Bottenburg, M., Rijnen, B., & Van Sterkenburg, J.C. (2005). Sports participation in the European Union: Trends and differences. Arko Sports Media/WHJ Mulier Institute.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Virtus. (2021). Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.virtus.sport/

  • Wang, H., Lee, P.M.Y., Zhang, J., Svendsen, K., Li, F., & Li, J. (2023). Association of intellectual disability with overall and type-specific cardiovascular diseases: A population-based cohort study in Denmark. BMC Medicine, 21(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-02747-4

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2001). International classification of functioning, disability and health: ICF.

  • World Health Organization. (2020). Noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors. Retrieved December 9, 2020, from https://www.who.int/ncds/prevention/physical-activity/inactivity-global-health-problem/en/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2022, October 5). Physical activity. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yu, S., Wang, T., Zhong, T., Qian, Y., & Qi, J. (2022). Barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review. Healthcare, 10(2), Article 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020233

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 486 486 70
Full Text Views 1543 1543 79
PDF Downloads 28 28 3