Opportunities for Inclusion in Sports. A case study of an athlete with cerebral palsy

This paper studies the case of Maikel, an athlete with cerebral palsy (CP) who practices sports in an inclusive and specific or segregated environment. Using qualitative methodology, the aim is to identify the meanings attributed to the practice of sport in different scenarios involving players with and without disability, both together and separately. The results show that it is in the specific sport context where players with CP best cope with possible psychological problems caused by discrimination and prejudice from other people without disabilities. In conclusion, the facilitating role of psychomotor and non-competitive practices in inclusive groups is emphasized, as well as the existing inclusive component in sport-specific situations. The results suggest that it is in the specific sport context and in non-competitive psychomotor practices in inclusive groups where athletes with CP best cope with discrimination and prejudice from other people without disabilities. Segregated sport practices become safe environments, which enhances interpersonal relationships among all participants. Like inclusive environments, specific or segregated sport can be an efficient strategy to promote the social inclusion of people with CP.