Sports motivation and sports opportunities of people with physical disability : The case of Hungary

Abstract

This article examines the sports motivation and sports opportunities of people with physical disability in Hungary, filling a gap in the research area. A total of 122 people (76 athletes) participated in the questionnaire research. We supplemented the quantitative research with qualitative research, in which we assessed the experiences of sports leaders through expert interviews. As a result of the research, we have shown that gender affects participation in sports, but has no role in sports motivation. Furthermore, we have established that for athletes with reduced mobility, mostly external motivational factors are different. Intrinsic motivation is strongest in the case of paralympic athletes. The main reason for amotivation among non-athletes with reduced mobility is the lack of adequate sports facilities close to the place of residence. Most athletes get to the venue of their sporting activity by car alone. Lack of peers has also been found to be a common reason for amotivation among respondents. Organising inclusive and mixed sports events could be a solution to the problem, promoting involvement in sport and social integration.