Presenting and testing the model of regional convergence and cross-sectoral alignment in sports development (Study of sport for all and competetive sport in the provinces of Caspian sea)

The purpose of this study was to present and test the model of regional convergence and cross-sectoral alignment in sports development as a case study for the field of sport for all and competetive sport in the provinces of Caspian sea. The research method is descriptive-correlational, In terms of purpose, practical and in terms of implementation, survey. The statistical population included managers and executive experts of sports management and development in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. A statistical sample of 143 people was estimated and sampled in a targeted and accessible way. Research tool was a questionnaire extracted from the systematic qualitative stage. validity of the instrument in two parts; Content validity and construct validity along with reliability were confirmed. The results of the modeling confirmed the construct validity and the relationships of the model variables. Accordingly, it can be stated that the dimensions (9 dimensions) and identified components (86 items) significantly explained the main variables in the model. The relationships defined in the model are, respectively, the levels, environmental capacity, development system leadership, universal sports convergence and championship, and development convergence functions. Based on the results, it is suggested to the organizations in charge of sports development in the northern provinces, considering the common and similar ecosystem of the three provinces, to prioritize the inter-provincial and regional convergence strategy in the development of sport for all and competetive sport, and use from scientific models such as the results of this study.