Paralympic athletes perceptions about social inclusion through sport

Abstract

The research aimed to analyze the perception of Paralympic sport athletes about the influence of sports practice for social inclusion. For this, 19 athletes from Bocce, Wheelchair Basketball and Sitting Volleyball from the city of Maringá-PR participated. As a research instrument, opted for the unstructured interview, with the data collected and analyzed based on the assumptions of the content analysis and organized with the aid of the N Vivo software. It was Evidenced that the sport and its unfolding contribute to the quality of life and inclusion of the people involved, however, the inclusion is carried out in certain spaces and among people with disabilities. It is concluded with this, that the involvement with the Paralympic sport does not contribute to the social inclusion of the subjects, even contributing to gains for the athletes' lives.