THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF SPORT IN INCLUSIVE AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED CONTEXTS
Abstract
This paper explores the role of motor and sports activities as vital tools for fostering social inclusion and promoting holistic well-being. Recognized for their educational and formative value, such activities transcend age, gender, and physical or mental conditions, making them universally accessible and impactful. An inclusive approach to sport emphasizes education and participation at all levels—from early physical education to specialized athletic practice—ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability or background, can develop and thrive.
Particular attention is given to the participation of individuals with disabilities or those facing social, economic, or psychological disadvantages. In these contexts, sport becomes a transformative space for identity recognition and community integration. This perspective marks a shift from traditional, performance-centered paradigms of sport towards a more inclusive, value-based model that centers on personal growth, social cohesion, and respect for diversity.
Moreover, the integration of sport within educational systems reflects a broader European commitment to leveraging physical activity for community development, as formalized in EU policy since 2007. Team sports, in particular, embody key social principles such as cooperation, respect for rules, and the pursuit of collective goals, mirroring the fundamental aims of education itself. Thus, sport is not merely a leisure activity, but a structured, pedagogical process that nurtures civic values, self-discipline, and mutual respect.
Ultimately, motor and sports education must be fully incorporated into educational strategies, including special pedagogy, to cultivate inclusive environments that support the development of every individual's full potential—especially those from marginalized or disadvantaged groups
Keywords:
Motor Education, Inclusion, Educational Integration, Disability and SportDownloads
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