Adapting to sport and country: Immigrant athletes with disabilities

Abstract

The benefits of disability sport are numerous and widespread; however, current research on motivations and lived experiences of athletes with disabilities has almost exclusively focused on white males. No studies have focused on the immigrant experience despite the fact that approximately 14% of the United States population are immigrants. Immigrants and people with disabilities face similar barriers, and at the intersection is an unexplored niche group of immigrants with disabilities with unique perspectives yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to understand the impacts, motivations, and lived experiences of immigrants who participate in disability sports in the United States. Fifteen immigrants with disabilities were interviewed. They originated from 11 countries and have participated in disability sport competitively. Results indicate increased opportunities and accessibility in the United States compared to their home countries, and that participation in disability sport increased athletes’ confidence. Additionally, most participants noted that despite their sociocultural diversity, their shared identity as athletes with disabilities overshadowed any real or perceived prejudices related to race or origin. Finally, in sport participation, intrinsic motivations included physical and mental health, self-reliance, independence, and athletic competition.