HOME AWAY FROM HOME: EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF R1AA ILOCOS SUR PARTICIPANTS IN THE BILLETING SCHOOL

Engaging in sports among student athletes is crucial as it fosters physical health, cultivates essential life skills and character traits such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, and time management, promotes social interaction, leadership abilities, and self-confidence (Wu et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2024). The exploration of lived experiences among diverse stakeholders in athletic events provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of sports participation. This study delved into the lived experiences of athletes, coaches, technical officials, and school officials participating in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) event from DepEd-Ilocos Sur, with a focus on the support structures and resources available to them. Employing a phenomenological approach, this study engages in qualitative interviews with participants from various roles within the R1AA event. Participants include athletes, coaches, technical officials, and school officials providing a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences within the athletic context. The thematic analysis of participant narratives from the R1AA event revealed seven key themes encompassing personal growth, accommodation adaptation, health and security, food, and refreshment, fun and excitement, overall management, and takeaways. Participants highlighted significant personal growth, adapting to accommodation, emphasizing health and security, benefiting from nutritious meals, enjoying fun activities, appreciating effective event management, and reflecting on lasting takeaways, aligning with research on sports' positive impacts. The comprehensive understanding of these themes underscores the importance of holistic support and effective management in optimizing the sports event experience for participants, with potential implications for future event planning and athlete development programs.