Identification of Effective Factors on the Participation of the People with Disabilities in Sport Activities

The purpose of this study, was to explore the effective factors on participation of the disabled in sport activities. The research method in terms of the aim was developmental, and in terms of implementation was qualitative, in which the Thematic analysis method was used. The statistical population of the study consisted of the managers and the officials of National Paralympic Committee of Iran, National Sport Federation for the Disabled, experts and faculty members of some universities in Iran, who were involved in executive, scientific and research fields. Sampling method was theoretical and the research instrument was interview protocol with experts in order to achieve theoretical saturation (16 interviews). In general, 16 factors effective on the participation of the disabled in sport activities were identified. These factors were identified and categorised in six major concepts including managerial thinking and planning, inter- organizational co ordinations and communications, infrastructural development, media and press, human resource development, and culture and education. Based on the findings of the study, it is believed that paying due attention to the above- mentioned factors will increase the participation of the disabled in sport activities.