REASONS FOR CONTINUITY OF ATHLETES IN BRAZILIAN PARALYMPIC SPORT

Abstract

Vinícius Denardin Cardoso, Marcelo De Castro Haiachi, Alberto Reinaldo Reppold Filho, Adroaldo Cezar Araújo Gaya

The objective of the study is to identify the reasons that lead the Brazilian Paralympic athlete to continue practicing their sport. The study is characterized as descriptive and qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interview. The study included 20 Paralympians from modalities of Athletics and Swimming, covered by the Bolsa Pódio from Program Bolsa Atleta of Brazilian Ministry of Sport. After analyzing the information, the study showed the reasons who was considered important for the continuity of Brazilian Paralympians. Incentive from teachers of Physical Education and Coaches n=19(95%); The participation in competitions n=14(70%); and, Emotional support n=13(65%) are the principal reasons for the Brazilian athletes continue in Sport. In that way, knowing the reasons that lead high-performance athletes to remain in Paralympic sports, can provide important information to coaches and managers in order to avoid possible dropouts, also improve the performance in Paralympic sports