Effects of an inclusive running event on children’s attitudes toward disability students in physical education

Abstract

Physical education is now seen as an integral subject that aims not only to improve motor skills, but also to create healthy lifestyle habits and promote inclusive values. This study analysed the effects of a running event on students' attitudes towards inclusion and the adaptation of sports rules, taking into account gender, school year, disability, level of competitiveness and the type of extracurricular sport practised at school. The San Silvestre 2022 running event in Valencia (Spain) involved more than 600 people – including students, teachers and volunteers – 170 of whom were students from 16 schools who responded to a questionnaire. The results showed that the event did not have a significant effect on improving attitudes towards inclusion and sports rules adaptation, although both the pre-test and post-test scores were very positive (higher than 3.5 out of 4); however, the responses showed that most participants had very positive attitudes and a high level of satisfaction and interest in participating in future running events (more than 90%). We found that attitudes towards inclusion were lower among men who did not have a disability, who were highly competitive and who were involved in individual sports. In conclusion, we recommend organising this type of event to motivate students and maintain good attitudes towards integration in physical education.