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The purpose of this study was to investigate the constraints to the development of elite sport for people with disabilities in Kenya. A grounded theory research design was utilized to analyze the data collected by means of personal in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya with five athletes on the Kenya Paralympic Team and five administrators supporting the Kenya Paralympic team. Seven major themes were identified with respect to the constraints faced by athletes and administrators. Issues related to negative attitudes toward people with disabilities, coaching, equipment, facilities, transportation, ethnic favoritism, and lack of financial resources proved to be the biggest constraints identified by the respondents. Based on the findings of this study we developed a hierarchical model of constraints at the societal level and put forth propositions that explain its operation.
KEYWORDS: Disability, athletes, constraints, developing countries.
Introduction
Twenty five percent of the world's population is affected by some form of disability, either personally or through a family member (Ingstad & Whyte, 1995). Leisure activities constitute an important aspect of life of people with disabilities. For some of them, leisure is limited to passive relaxation, while for others it is associated with physical activities, including sport participation, often at an elite level (Ruddell & Shinew, 2006). The reasons why people with disabilities engage in sport vary. Participation in sport can have important physical benefits. It can facilitate physical competence and enhance bodily appearance (Taub, Blinde, & Greer, 1999). It provides means for maintaining physical independence and a sense of individual capability, and helps to keep the potentially harmful effects of disability in check (Page, O'Connor, & Peterson, 2001). Moreover, sport participation has certain important psychological outcomes. It allows people to regain identity, to manage the stigma of a disabled body, to set goals, and to develop a sense of competence and accomplishment (French & Hainsworth, 2001; Martin, Mushett, & Smith, 1995; Page et al.; Ridgeway & Boyd, 1994). From the social standpoint, sport helps to integrate people with disabilities into family and community activities, and serves as a means for social mobility (Page et al.; Wu & Williams, 2001).
People with disabilities participate in sport at both recreational and competitive levels (Campbell & Jones, 1994; DePauw, 1984; Ruddell & Shinew,...