The role, problems and prospects of inclusive sports development in the special Оlympic movement
Keywords:
inclusive sports, Special Olympic Movement, Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation, athletes.Abstract
Objective of the study is to assess the role of inclusive sports within the Special Olympic Movement and identify the prospects
for its development in Russia, taking into account current trends, difficulties and resources.
Methods and structure of the study. A sociological survey of 117 organizers and participants of the inclusive programs of
the Special Olympics of Russia (2021-2025): an electronic questionnaire for participants of the unified movement, coaches,
coordinators, parents; as well as interviews with representatives of regional offices, coaches and experts.
Results and conclusions. The survey results showed that inclusive sports increases motivation, develops communication,
leadership skills and independence in people with intellectual disabilities, and promotes tolerance among their peers. The
main difficulties are the lack of qualified personnel, heterogeneous infrastructure, and individual cases of prejudice. The
positive experience of a number of regions confirms the scaling potential of inclusive programs. The support of the Vladimir
Potanin Foundation ensured the opening of 80 inclusive schools in 15 regions, the launch of educational courses and educational
events, which significantly expanded the opportunities and quality of inclusive sports in Russia.
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