To describe the experiences and opinions of para-athletes and technical personnel regarding the state of para-sports in South Africa.
This was a qualitative study design based on semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with para-athletes, coaches/ managers. Permission was obtained from a physical disability association. Ethical clearance was issued by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee. An interview schedule with predetermined questions was used to guide the interviews. Interviews were held face-to-face or online for 20-30 minutes per interview. All participants gave consent. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in themes deductively.
23 Paralympians (12 females and 11 males) and 16 coaches/ managers (9 males and 7 females) participated. Results showed that sports health benefits, a sense of belonging, fulfilment, winning, and support from family and sports authorities were reported as facilitators of para-sports participation. Participants reported that apartheid, disability stigma and discrimination, lack of opportunities, poor access to key needed services, limited access to resources, lack of access to facilities, and lack of para-sports knowledge and skills negatively impacted para-sports in South Africa. Access to funding, healthcare services, and coaching were the key needs among para-athletes.
Results showed a need to scale up disability inclusion, render needed services (especially healthcare and coaching) and make resources available.
There is a need for a suitable model of care for para-athletes.
Challenges
South Africa
