Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Sports Participation for Learners with Physical Disabilities in Vhembe District’s Special Schools

Amongst recorded benefits, sports and recreation activities increase physical movement and mobility. They also improve fitness and flexibility, which promotes a greater range of motion and causes of movement for people with physical disabilities. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by learners with physical disabilities while participating in sports and recreation activities at selected special schools in the Vhembe District of South Africa. A qualitative approach using a descriptive survey was employed to provide an accurate portrayal of the opinions, beliefs, and knowledge of learners who participate in sports and recreation. A focus group discussion was conducted with 44 learners (22 boys and 22 girls) with physical disabilities at selected special schools in Vhembe District, and one face-to-face interview was carried out with the sports master from the selected special school in the Vhembe District. Data analysis was conducted thematically to identify patterns in challenges faced by learners with physical disabilities when engaging in sports activities at special schools in the Vhembe District. Results indicated that learners participating in various sporting activities gain numerous benefits, but they are also exposed to social, physiological, and physical challenges. Learners view these challenges as barriers to furthering their interest in sports and recreation activities. There is a need to design and implement an awareness programme for all learners with different types of disabilities to enable them to interact with others without discrimination. Keywords: Sports Participation, Physical disabilities, Special schools, Barriers and Challenges