Uncovering constraints in sports for children with disability: Insights from Danish parents

Participation in sports significantly enhances the physical and psychological wellbeing and social inclusion of children with disability. However, various constraints, including social, cultural, and environmental factors, limit their sports participation. This study investigates Danish parents’ perceptions of barriers to their children's sports participation, focusing on differences based on disability type. Using an online questionnaire distributed via social media, newsletters, and school communication platforms, we collected responses from 1158 parents. The questionnaire covered disability and support needs, participation levels before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions, constraints to participation, and demographic profiles. Grounded in leisure constraint theory, we identified the primary constraints as: lack of accommodation in sports clubs, insufficient support, inadequate adaptation of activities, difficulties in group participation, untrained coaches, and a shortage of helpers. Correlation analysis revealed that parents of children with psychological/social impairments found these more constraining compared to parents of children with mobility impairments. Most constraints were structural, highlighting omission or lack of adapted initiatives. Children with psychological/social impairments faced the most significant challenges due to inadequate trainer knowledge and inclusion efforts. While initiatives in Denmark have improved participation for children with mobility disability, further efforts are needed to support those with psychological/ social disability.