Sports Initiation Research Articles

Basic Motor Skills in Learning Mini-Athletics in Children 4-6 Years of Age from Zone 1 of Ecuador

The objective of the research project is to determine the incidence of the variables of "Basic motor skills in the learning of mini-athletics in children 4-6 years old, the research is methodologically based under a non-experimental design, by correlational and cutting scope cross-sectional, taken a sample of 300 children distributed in male and female genders of the zonal coordination 1 (Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura and Sucumbíos) The instrument to evaluate the first study variable was the "retest" test validated and considered In order to evaluate the basic motor skills, as well as for the second variable, an observation sheet was used to evaluate the ability of mini-athletics through the A-B-C- of the basics of the race. The systematic process in the application of the technical fundamentals of mini-athletics, allowed obtaining the results that show the highest percentage of the study sample in relation to the basic motor skill levels were at a normal level and in the same way in the execution. of the ability of the basic movements of mini-athletics as a base and training sport to use it in sports initiation, reaching the conclusion of being able to determine that there is a positive correlation between the study variables, accepting the research hypothesis that affirms that motor skills Basic skills affect the learning of the ability to execute movements in mini-athletics in zone 1 of Ecuador.

Sporting pathways to integration: A comprehensive study on the integration of Ukrainian teenage war refugees through sports initiatives

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has resulted in a significant influx of war refugees seeking safety and stability in various parts of the world especially in European countries. Despite frequent discussions about whether and to what extent displaced people can be integrated correctly into a target country’s educational institutions, prevalent pedagogical expertise and scientific inquiry is lacking full-scale comprehension of this complex matter. On a European level, The European Commission in the White paper on sport (2007, p. 7) emphasizes that sport “makes an important contribution to economic and social cohesion and more integrated societies”. Consequently, the social impact of sports is accompanied by high political expectations. However, critics might argue that this interpretation is too simplistic as sport cannot solve major societal problems as for example poverty or physical and mental well-being (Coakley, 2011; Spaaij, 2012). Nevertheless, recent research demonstrates that sport is of relevance for fostering societal participation and active citizenship; similarly, it is assumed that sports can increase the typically sparse contact between migrant and non-migrant youth and other social networks (Green, 2007; Lagergren & Fundberg, 2009). Hence this paper analyzes which sporting initiatives both within and outside educational settings help Ukrainian war refugees to get in contact with native or non-migrant social settings in three different receiving host countries (i.e. Austria, Germany and England). Through content analysis of interviews with refugees (N = 10), the study explores the perceived impact of sports activities on various aspects of integration, including social cohesion, sense of belonging, cultural adaptation as well as perceived integration challenges. While interviews with Ukrainian refugees residing in Austria were face-to-face interviews (Cassell & Symon, 2004), interviews with Ukrainian refugees residing in England or Germany were conducted online. All interviews were conducted in English, as the level of English of all interviewees was considered good enough to express their opinions and thoughts. On the basis of a comprehensive analysis of all interviews, four main themes (i.e. curricular sports initiatives, extra-curricular sports initiatives, other initiatives, integration challenges) emerged. Results highlight the importance of the context in which sport initiatives are implemented. While both initiatives within educational institutions and those outside formal education settings were reported to have a positive impact, nuances were observed in their effects on integration. For instance, sports programs within educational institutions were perceived as providing opportunities for structured engagement and skill development, which in turn enhanced participants’ sense of inclusion and self-esteem. On the other hand, initiatives outside educational institutions, such as community sports clubs and recreational activities, were valued for their role in fostering informal social networks and facilitating interaction with members of the host community. Overall, it is worth mentioning that while sports initiatives emerged as a valuable resource for promoting integration, they alone cannot address the complex challenges faced by refugees in the process of adapting and integrating into a new social environment. Therefore, a holistic approach that combines sports with other forms of support, such as language training, employment assistance, and psychosocial support, is essential for facilitating successful integration outcomes. References Cassell, C., & Symon, G. (2004). Essential guide to qualitative methods in organizational reserach. Sage. Coakley, J. (2011). Youth sports what counts as “positive development?”. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 35(3), 306-324. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193723511417311 European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (2007). White paper. White paper on sport. Brussels. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/8614cc62-c23e-4b11-8c0b-4c24a71f863d Green, M. (2007). Governing under advanced liberalism: Sport policy and the social investment state. Policy Sciences, 40(1), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-007-9034-y Lagergren, L., & Fundberg, J. (2009). Integration i forening – Kritiska reflektioner kring ett projekt [Integration in association – Critical reflections on a project]. Educare, 1, 43–59. https://doi.org/10.24834/educare.2009.1.1287 Spaaij, R. (2012). Beyond the playing field: Experiences of sport, social capital, and integration among Somalis in Australia. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 35(9), 1519–1538. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2011.592205

Modifiable Risk Factors Related to Oral Diseases in Youth Cuban Baseball Sportsmen

Background Oral health care closes the cycle of medical assistance integrated with sports, becoming a specialized service of great value in Cuba; however, oral diseases in young athletes are very frequent. For effective prevention, it is necessary to know the modifiable risk factors related to these diseases. Objective This study aimed to determine the relationship between risk factors and oral diseases in baseball sportsmen from the sports initiation school of Villa Clara, Cuba. Material and Methods A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was carried out in the young baseball athletes (N=60) of the 15U (n=30) and 18U (n=30) divisions (M=15.33; SD=1.49). Data were analyzed using empirical frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. Data normality was tested using asymmetry, kurtosis, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in the risk factors and oral diseases between divisions, and the Tau_b Kendall correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships between both groups of variables. Results Improper tooth brushing, cariogenic diet, and inefficient oral hygiene were the main risk factors, while dental caries, gingivitis, and malocclusions were the oral diseases most notable. Athletes of higher division have greater toxic habits and a cariogenic diet; however, they brush more frequently and have more efficient oral hygiene. Except for the presence of malocclusions, the rest of the conditions are related to the determined risk factors. Conclusion The knowledge about the relationship between risk factors and oral conditions allows to base the design of educational intervention actions focused on the promotion of adequate oral health behaviors in the athletes, which shows the relevance of odontology in sports.

Does a community soccer program promote health-related quality of life in socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents?

ABSTRACT Rationale: Understanding the impact of different sport initiatives on young people from socially vulnerable backgrounds is important. However, there remains a paucity of quantitative research on the quality of life of this group. Method: This study employed an ex post facto observational design to provide data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents enrolled in a community soccer program (“Union Project”). Male soccer players (n = 26, 2x/week for 6 months in the soccer program) and non-players (n = 26, no participation in sports program) were included in the study. Participants answered a form about sociodemographic data and health-related quality of life perception (KIDSCREEN-27). Differences in HRQoL between players and non-players were verified by the independent t test and the effect size was estimated (Cohen’s d). Findings: Except for the School Environment dimension, soccer players presented statistically higher scores of HRQoL in comparison to non-players (P < 0.05). The Physical Well-Being dimension (d = 1.9) and the total HRQoL (d = 1.4) showed large effects in favor of the soccer player group. Research contribution: The Union Project seems to have the potential to improve the HRQoL of socially vulnerable adolescents, in which soccer players showed better scores on almost all dimensions of HRQoL compared to their peers.

Efficacy of physical activity shared between parents and children to improve sports initiation in the M.A.M.I.deporte® program.

To determine if the active methodology for improving sports initiation (M.A.M.I.deporte®) shared between children and parents successfully promotes children in sports activities, maintains their activity and improves long-term adherence. The study involved 118 participants aged between 2 and 11 years (6.3 ± 2.3). In the first season, 34 participated (16 girls; 18 boys); in the second season, 46 participated (22 girls; 24 boys) and in the third season, 38 participated (19 girls; 19 boys). It was carried out from October to June over three academic years for two hours a week. Every 4 sessions a different sporting activity was carried out, planned so that parents and children could practise them, simultaneously. At the beginning and end of each period, a survey was carried out on the sports activities in which the participants had started. If participants remained in the activity, the survey was face-to-face and if participants no longer attended the activity, they were contacted by telephone. Descriptive values were obtained for the variables in absolute and percentage form and a repeated measures anova was performed. Vigorous physical activity performed was 3.82 ± 1.16 h/week in the first year, 3.38 ± 1.59 in the second year and 2.99 ± 1.46 in the third year with no significant differences between any of the years. 32.20% joined other sporting activities and only 6.78% gave up vigorous physical activity. Joint activity of parents and children contributed to maintaining vigorous physical activity at the recommended levels in the child population with only 6.78% (n = 8) of the participants dropping out.

СПОРТ КАК ИНСТРУМЕНТ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ: АНАЛИЗ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЙ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ КООПЕРАЦИИ ЧЕРЕЗ СПОРТИВНЫЕ ИНИЦИАТИВЫ

Sport as a tool of social integration is attracting increasing attention from researchers who believe that sports initiatives can promote social cooperation and strengthen ties in society. This article presents an analysis of the economic consequences of social cooperation through sports initiatives. The paper examines the mechanisms through which sport can stimulate social integration, such as the formation of team spirit, the development of leadership qualities, increasing self-esteem and social skills of participants. Additionally, the economic benefits associated with participation in sports events are analyzed, including reducing healthcare costs by improving public health, reducing criminal justice costs, and increasing labor productivity through a healthy lifestyle. The work also draws attention to the role of public policy and the private sector in supporting sports initiatives as a tool for social integration and achieving economic benefits for society.

Good use, non-use and misuse: safe sport reporting systems in context

ABSTRACT Reporting systems constitute an essential part of today’s safe sport initiatives across the world. Informed by literature on reporting wrongdoings in organisational contexts and a political sociology approach to policy instrumentation, this article examines how abuse reporting systems are utilised in youth high-performance sport environments. Drawing from 51 interviews with both user and provider groups of South Korea’s reporting facilities, the results offer three main uses of the country’s safe sport reporting mechanisms: (1) ‘good use’ that relies on their communicative capacity to signal changing organisational culture; (2) ‘non-use’ that derives not only from the fear of reprisals, but from more subtle relational and situational concerns, such as teams’ dissolution; and (3) ‘misuse’ of the systems as a tool to advance individual agendas as opposed to protecting victims. The findings of this study not only provide evidence for both positive and perverse effects of safe sport reporting facilities per se, but also illuminate the importance of social and institutional conditions that can both enable and constrain this newly implemented policy measure for athlete safeguarding.

The impact of sports participation on cognitive functions and academic performance among youth aged 10 to 14 years: A comprehensive investigation

Sports practice is essential for young people to perform better in the various pillars of their lives. Considering the maturational stage, this study aimed to investigate the effects of practicing sports on cognitive aspects (inhibitory control) and academic performance (report card).Seventy-five young people aged between 10 and 14 of both sexes were analyzed and divided into two groups: group I (Non-sporty), involved only in school physical education, and group II (Sporty), involved in sports initiation in addition to school physical education. Inhibitory control was assessed using the Go/No Go test and the 5-digit test (FDT). Maturation was determined using the bone age equation, and academic performance was assessed on the basis of school report card grades. There were no significant correlations between bone age, performance on cognitive tests and academic performance based on report card grades (p ≥ 0.05). However, the cognitive tests revealed a significant disparity between the two groups. The sportsmen had significantly fewer errors in all phases of the FDT test (p &lt; 0.05) than their non-sporting peers. In addition, the sports group showed superior inhibitory control, as evidenced by better performance in the Go/No Go test [7.58 ± 0.14; p = 0.001]. It is concluded that regardless of the correlation between maturational development, cognitive aspects and academic performance, systematized sports practice has a beneficial effect on the cognitive abilities of young people, since sports players showed better cognitive performance than non-sports players.

Searching for memories: narratives about the initiation process of former athletes of the Brazilian futsal national team

Through the Development Model of Sport Participation framework and methodological perspective of oral history, this manuscript aims to narrate some fragments of the history of the sports initiation process of former elite athletes of the Brazilian Futsal Team. To this end, two interviews were conducted with athletes in the Brazilian Futsal Team during the 1980s and 1990s. From the oral history of two former futsal players, we identified evidence about the contribution of deliberate play in their initial stage of sport involvement. First, they highlighted the importance of the street and the family in their first contact with games played with feet, particularly futsal. Afterward, they emphasized the school, promoted diversified sports practices, and mentioned the role of the teacher in encouraging futsal practice in the scholar team. Finally, they evidenced the importance of social clubs and soccer practice during the transition to specialization years in futsal. It certainly contributed to their long-life athlete career. Key Words: Athlete development; School; Club; Family; Sport career

Management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine

The article examines the essence and necessity of managing physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the conditions of territorial communities, the role of ma naging physical culture and sports takes on a new dimension. Scientific opinions on the understanding of physical culture and sports are considered. It was determined that the modern market socio-economic system of Ukraine contributes to the formation and development of key aspects of the market of physical culture and sports services. It is highlighted that the field of physical culture and sports serves as an indicator of the quality of life of an individual, social groups and society in general. The state of its activity helps to identify types of social inequality and to some extent can overcome certain types of inequality, thereby improving the quality of life of a significant number of people. It has been established that the management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine is a key factor for the social, economic and cultural development of the country, covers various spheres of public life and has a great impact on the general state of society. It is noted that the important aspects of physical culture and sports management at the local level are: physical activity and sports are the basis of a healthy lifestyle; sport unites citizens of different age groups, social classes and cultures; sport is an effective tool for developing youth potential; developed sports infrastructure attracts tourists and contributes to the development of the service sector; sport develops discipline, dedication and team spirit; active participation in physical exercises and sports events contributes to the formation of civic culture, increases the level of patriotism and readiness for active participation in public life. It has been proven that the management of physical culture and sports in territorial communities is a strategically important task for ensuring the sustainable development of society, improving the quality of life of citizens, and preserving national health. The creation of a favorable environment for physical activity, the development of sports infrastructure and the support of sports initiatives contribute to the preservation and strengthening of the health of citizens, social integration and the formation of a unified national identity.

SPORTS DIPLOMACY AND SOFT POWER: ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTS OF APPLICATION OF WORLD PRACTICES FOR UKRAINE

This article explores the concept of sports diplomacy as an effective tool for enhancing national soft power and diplomatic reach, particularly for Ukraine. It examines successful models from Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the European Union. Saudi Arabia's approach demonstrates the power of using sports for global influence through significant investments and hosting international events. Australia's model highlights a government-led strategy that supports sports diplomacy, knowledge sharing and community development. The European Union's use of sports diplomacy focuses on promoting peace and cooperation among member states. For Ukraine, adapting these models offers a pathway to amplify its international voice and align sports initiatives with diplomatic goals. The article suggests that Ukraine can leverage sports diplomacy to strengthen international relationships, enhance its global presence, and promote values effectively.

Playing in school sports initiation: the child’s experience

RESUMO Este estudo mostra, pela fala de crianças, como o brincar se apresenta em experiências de iniciação esportiva. A Sociologia da Infância e estudos da Educação Física deram suporte teórico e, da roda de conversa como instrumento metodológico, emergiram os seguintes temas para Análise Temática: a polissemia do esporte na infância; eixos que estruturam o brincar da criança; brincar para aprender esporte. A análise e interpretação dos dados mostrou que as crianças conceituam o esporte como polissêmico e o interpretam como brincadeira, jogo ou treino. Para elas, a iniciação esportiva é lúdica, as brincadeiras precisam ser reiteradas e a imaginação transcende a realidade na interação com seus pares. Assim, concluímos que, para as crianças da pesquisa, aprende-se esporte brincando.

Implementing the 7P Marketing Mix in Islamic Education: Insights from Phatnawitya School, Thailand

This research provides an in-depth examination of the 7P marketing mix strategy within Phatnawitya School, an Islamic institution catering to a minority Muslim community in a predominantly Buddhist region of Southern Thailand. Utilizing a qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach, the study explores the school's application of the 7P framework, focusing on the creation of well-rounded individuals and the establishment of a strong community presence. The collected data reveal a comprehensive education offering, from early childhood to advanced Islamic studies, facilitated by a robust infrastructure and innovative programs such as the Change ILP and sports initiatives. The school's approach to market identification, segmentation, and product differentiation demonstrates a strategic alignment with the needs and expectations of its student body. The research highlights the school's adept use of both direct community engagement and social media to communicate its values and offerings. While the study is limited by its singular focus on one institution, the findings suggest that Phatnawitya School's implementation of the marketing mix can inform broader strategies for Islamic educational services in similar socio-cultural contexts. Recommendations for further research include a broader examination of marketing strategies across Islamic educational institutions with varying cultural influences.

Raibuliavimas (making ripples): student-athletes action safe sport in Lithuania

ABSTRACT Athlete voice is fundamental to good governance; however, sports organisations have been slow to involve young people in safe sport initiatives. In Lithuania, the location of this study, athlete welfare issues are rarely discussed, and the development of a safe sport environment is new to the policy agenda. This project aimed to empower a cohort of student-athletes to promote good practice and safe sport in Lithuania. A secondary aim was to understand the content areas that young athletes prioritised in promoting safe sport. 17 Lithuanian university student-athletes worked in small groups to identify a safe sport issue that was relevant in their country and created awareness-raising poster campaigns to start conversations about it. Focus group interviews were conducted with participants who highlighted the need to challenge ‘taken-for-granted’ ideas about athlete welfare and the importance of involving young athletes in advancing the welfare and safe sport agendas.

Youth, Sport, and Faith: Identity Formation in High School Athletes

It is widely accepted that the transition from youth to adulthood in western industrialized societies brings with it a series of tensions and dilemmas in terms of identity formation. One of the areas where such formational issues often manifest themselves is through the faith journeys of young people. This paper presents empirical evidence from a small-scale qualitative study of one faith–sport initiative—Run the Race Well—a US-based venture which, through an annual retreat program, aims to provide theological support for high school athletes involved in the higher echelons of sport in their age group. Utilizing the “voices” of retreat participants, the paper uncovers some of the issues surrounding the Christian identity of the young people who have participated in the program and explores how the prioritization of lifestyle activities (e.g., education, sport, and faith) has the potential to give rise to particular problems and anxieties. The paper discusses some of the complexities of this prioritization process to reveal how young people seek to navigate and negotiate their identities, both as elite athletes and Christians, and how the tensions and dilemmas of teenage life shape their views of the overall relationship between sport and faith. The paper concludes by suggesting that amidst the wider anxieties of youth transition, intentional investment by others (via theological teaching, sports coaching, and one-to-one, group, and peer mentoring) can provide a catalyst for identity formation and personal/faith development.

Motivation and attitudes of college varsity players towards community-based sports initiatives: Precursor to grassroots sports program

The Philippine sports culture is embedded in its communities as they are aggressively engaging in sports initiatives involving the youth from grade school to college levels capturing the passion of the sport’s participants at the grassroots level. Varsity players were exposed to such passion which shaped their competence in sports and physical activity later in life. This research analyzed the motivation and attitudes of the varsity athletes in higher education who have been participating in community sports in their growing years. Ninety (n = 90) varsity players from three state universities and colleges in Zamboanga City, Philippines participated in a Likert-scale survey to determine their level of motivation and attitudes towards community sports initiatives in relation to their athletic participation in the university. Findings revealed that the level of motivation among varsity students for the benefits of sports was very high and their gender and years of being a varsity player. Attitude indicators also revealed that varsity players pursue sports because it develops their competence and social skills. Community sports initiatives promoted a competitive mindset, as well as boosted confidence as players were able to prepare for competitions. This study is important for government and universities to consider the role of community sports initiatives in developing their long-term grassroots sports programs.

Sport initiation in VivaVôlei Project: a systematic review

VivaVôlei is a social project created by the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV), which covers more than twelve regions of Brazil, and its goal is the insertion of volleyball for children and adolescents in need, through the mini-volleyball methodology. The objective of this study was to verify, through a systematic review produced by means of articles published between the years 2003 and 2022, the quantity of publications about the project and whether they allude to its benefits for the target audience. Six scientific papers were found, five of them in Google Scholar in the form of articles published in journals, and one in the form of a book chapter found on the Capes platform. Satisfactory results were observed in the analyses, such as: socialization and happiness with the practice of sports, improvement in interpersonal relationships, progress in motor coordination, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. However, new studies about the program still need to be published

Hartford pledges $3.5 million for adaptive sports initiative

Corporate Philanthropy ReportVolume 38, Issue 6 p. 3-3 News Briefs Hartford pledges $3.5 million for adaptive sports initiative First published: 08 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/cprt.31614Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume38, Issue6June 2023Pages 3-3 RelatedInformation

A longitudinal analysis of organisational capacity determinants of the perceived need for change, adoption of ‘light’ sports initiatives and organisational growth in voluntary sports clubs

Considering wider societal developments that reflect a demand for personalised services, this study aims to uncover the relationship between the perceived need for change by voluntary sports clubs (VSCs), their adoption of innovative services to promote flexibility of sports participation (also referred to as ‘light’ sports initiatives) and their organisational growth (in terms of membership evolution). Simultaneously, the impact of key organisational capacity (OC) determinants on each of the aforementioned variables is taken into account. In this study, VSCs in Flanders (Belgium) are examined utilising three (generalised) linear mixed model analyses on longitudinal panel data from 2012, 2015 and 2018. The results show a positive relationship between the need for change on the one hand and the adoption of ‘light’ sports initiatives and organisational growth on the other hand, whilst adopting ‘light’ sports initiatives as types of service innovations do not necessarily lead to organisational growth. The results of this study offer implications for the management and policy of VSCs to cater to shifting member demands. This study serves as a stepping-stone for further research to investigate other types of innovation on organisational change and growth.

Towards a More Inclusive Society: The Social Return on Investment (SROI) of an Innovative Ankle–Foot Orthosis for Hemiplegic Children

Hemiplegia is a form of disability that affects one side of the body and has a prevalence of 0.5–0.7 per 1000 live births. It has consequences not only at the medical level but also on psychological, cognitive, and social aspects, and it prevents children from social participation, especially in sports settings. The studies demonstrating the social impact of sports on the hemiplegic population and, in particular, children, are limited. In addition, previous evaluations of healthcare sports initiatives in the hemiplegic population are not available, and traditional methods of evaluation, which are mostly focused on economic outcomes, are not applicable. Thus, this article employs the social return on investment (SROI) methodology, which is able to determine the socio-economic impacts of an initiative, to evaluate the impact of an innovative ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) for hemiplegic children that was created to promote the possibility of “sports for all”. The model was designed with the involvement of stakeholders in all the phases and with mixed methods to assess the input, outcomes, and impact indicators. The final SROI, computed for a time horizon of three years and with a focus on the Lombardy Region, was equal to 3.265:1. Based on this result, the initiative turned out to be worthy of investment.