‘Just kids playing sport (in a chair)’: experiences of children,families and stakeholders attending a wheelchair sports club |
| |
| Authors: | Bernie Carter Janette Grey Elizabeth McWilliams Zoe Clair Karen Blake Rachel Byatt |
| |
| Institution: | 1. School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK;2. School of Sports, Tourism and The Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | Children who use wheelchairs have few opportunities to play sport with their able-bodied peers and siblings. This appreciative, qualitative study explored the experiences of children, families and stakeholders at a wheelchair sports club. Participant observation, research activities, focus groups and interviews were used. Sixty-three people participated (37 children, 14 stakeholders, 10 parents, two older siblings). Thematic analysis identified one unifying theme (realising potential) and four main themes: invisibility of disability; ambivalence and attraction of the chair; fun and fellowship; and thrills and skills. The Cheetahs created opportunities for meaningful participation in wheelchair sports for children with and without disabilities. |
| |
| Keywords: | disability child wheelchair sport leisure participation |
|
|
