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One of the goals of the Paralympic Games is to improve social attitudes toward individuals with physical disabilities (PD) through exposure to parasport and Paralympic mass media messaging. This study assessed whether this goal is achieved by examining changes in explicit perceptions toward Paralympians and individuals with PD over the course of the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Adults without PD (n = 119) were randomized into two groups: (1) an exposure group that was e-mailed local Paralympic Games coverage information before each day of the Games; and (2) a control group that received no e-mails about coverage. All participants completed measures assessing explicit perceptions (i.e., warmth and competence) of Paralympians and individuals with PD two weeks before, two weeks after, and three months following the Games. Exposure to Paralympic media was also assessed. No differences were present between groups for time spent watching the Games, explicit perceptions, or demographics (ps >.05). Thus, data was collapsed across groups for the main analyses. Repeated measure ANOVAs with Bonferroni adjustments indicated that explicit perceptions of warmth decreased over time for both Paralympians and individuals with PD (p ≤.005). However, Paralympians were rated as significantly more competent and warmer than individuals with PD (ps <.001) at each timepoint. Findings suggest that public exposure to the Paralympics may have more value for Paralympians than the larger disability community. Further research should explore how to disseminate communication regarding the Paralympics to improve social attitudes and optimize integration of all people with disabilities in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Invictus Games are a parasport competition for service members and veterans with illnesses and injuries. The 2014 Games were aired by the BBC, for a total of 12 hr of coverage. This study aimed to investigate what messages were conveyed regarding parasport for veterans during the BBC's Invictus Games broadcast. A content analysis was conducted. Five qualitative themes were identified: sport as rehabilitation, the promotion of ability over disability, the social environment, key outcomes of participation, and the importance of competition. Quantitative results indicated that 2 segment types accounted for the majority of the broadcast: sport coverage (50.57%) and athlete experiences (12.56%). Around half of the coverage focused on participants with a physical disability (51.62%). The findings demonstrate key similarities to and differences from previous explorations of parasport media coverage, with the needs of the event and athlete population potentially influencing the broadcast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Through parasport, adults and young athletes with disability often report increases in well-being and related psychosocial perceptions. While researchers often attribute these benefits to the positive social experiences that go along with sport participation, optimal parasport experiences have not been comprehensively defined. Applying a conceptualization of the experiential aspects of ‘participation’ across disability settings (Martin Ginis, Evans, Mortenson, & Noreau, 2017) we sought to generate an evidence-informed framework of optimal parasport participation. Design/Method The framework was developed through a multi-step process that involved establishing the scope and purpose of the framework, synthesizing existing literature, and constructing the framework alongside stakeholder insights. The latter step entailed four phases based on AGREE-II reporting criteria: (a) Phase 1, where propositions about quality experiences were derived from the literature synthesis, (b) Phases 2 and 3, where we developed a provisional framework informed by stakeholders using an expert round-table ( n  = 16) and an online survey ( n  = 80), and (c) Phase 4, where the framework was refined through an online expert panel including researchers and sport administrators ( n  = 20). Results The resulting hierarchical framework focuses on 25 conditions across the physical environment, sport activities, and social environment of parasport organizations as precursors to quality experiences that, in turn, reinforce quality participation. Quality experience stands at the core, defined as a feeling state derived from athletes’ appraisals of whether their experiences satisfy one or more of their values and needs across six elements: belongingness, autonomy, challenge, mastery, engagement and meaning. Conclusions The ‘Quality Parasport Participation Framework’ directs future research examining parasport athletes' subjective experiences, and sets forth provisional guidelines for promoting quality experiences within parasport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parents of youth with a mobility impairment (MI) have an important influence on their children's sport participation. The current study consists of an exploratory qualitative investigation of the relevance of HAPA for understanding parental support behaviours for youth with MI's sport participation.Methods: Parents of youth athletes (Mage=11.10; SD=2.77) and non-athletes (Mage=11.50; SD=3.84) participated in semi-structured interviews with question development guided by the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA).Results: Constructs from HAPA were expressed as relevant to parental decisions, with differing subthemes emerging based upon parental group (i.e. parents of non-athletes or parents of athletes). Other constructs that emerged included barriers, facilitators, and resources.Discussion: Constructs from the motivational phase of HAPA were relevant for parents of athletes and non-athletes, while the volitional phase demonstrated utility for understanding the views of parents of athletes. Differences between the patterns of responses of both groups were apparent in how the constructs were expressed. Findings identify key areas for research, as well as practical applications. For example, future programs can target parental positions on specific HAPA constructs (e.g. risk perceptions) where differences were found between both groups of parents in order to promote parental decisions that support their children's sport participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family are influential actors in adapted sport participation. However, little is known about their experiences with adapted sport. The current study sought to explore the experiences of families in adapted sport through the context of the Invictus Games, an international adapted sport competition for military personnel with physical and psychological illnesses and injuries that is unique in its inclusion of family programming. Family members (n = 21; partners, parents, siblings, and children) of Invictus Games Toronto 2017 competitors participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: recognition of family experiences during service and after onset of disability; creating a sense of belonging; and improving family knowledge and perceptions. This study provides insight regarding how adapted sport events can support the well-being of both individuals with illnesses and injuries and their families. • Strategies can be implemented by adapted sport programs to support families. • Programs should recognize the impact of adapted sport on family. • Strategies may also include building knowledge of the value of sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]