Abstract

Sports improve physical health, social involvement, and emotional well-being, which are crucial to growth. This study examines factors affecting visual impairment students’ sports engagement at Federal College of Education Special Oyo. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study included 71 visually impaired male and female pupils. This study sampled all visually impaired 100, 200, and 300-level students intact. A self-developed questionnaire on factors that determine sports participation among students with visual impairment (QFDPSA) with four subscales was utilized for this study. Cronbach alpha is 0.075. Inference statistics like the T-evaluate and multiple regression was used to evaluate hypotheses at 0.05 significance. The findings showed that socio-economic factors highly influenced the level of participation in sporting activities among visually impaired students in Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, and that all variable items listed under availability and accessibility of sports facilities averagely promote and hinder engagement. The findings suggest that students with visual impairment should be informed of sport benefits through various techniques to overcome the perceived inherent dangers in sport, which has led to personal dread of injury during participation. Sport organizers should have particular education abilities to accommodate visually impaired athletes.

Keywords: sports, visual impairment, socio-economic factors, education.

Impact Statement

This research significantly enhances our understanding of the factors influencing sports participation among visually impaired students at the Federal College of Education Special Oyo. By identifying socio-economic factors and the availability and accessibility of sports facilities as primary determinants, the study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to promote inclusivity. The findings suggest that improving societal attitudes, providing adaptive sports technologies, and fostering inclusive programs can significantly enhance the participation and well-being of visually impaired students. This research highlights the critical need for specialized training for sports organizers and advocates for comprehensive strategies to create a more inclusive sports environment, thereby contributing to the overall development and quality of life for students with visual impairments.

About Author/s

Adeleye Adeolu Akintunde is a special Educator and a Lecturer III in Federal College of Education Special Oyo In a department of education psychology and currently undergoing PhD program in Guidance and Counseling Education, David Albert is a undergraduate student in department of Human kynetic in University of ibadan, Oluwagbemi Oluwayemisi is a Lecturer in the department of physical and health education in Federal College of Education Special, Oyo and Oladipupo Oluwaseyi is postgraduates student in field of physical and health Education in University of ibadan. 

Oluwaseyi OLADIPUPO is a dynamic and results-oriented professional, a Master’s degree holder in Sport Management and Policy Development from Pan African University. He demonstrates passion for elevating African Sport through innovative research initiative. With a career objective centered on driving impactful change within the sports industry, Oluwaseyi brings to the table extensive experience in research coordination, data analysis and project management. Oluwaseyi’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Education in Human Kinetics from the University of Ibadan, where he graduated as the Best Male Student in Human Kinetics and Health Education in 2019. He also graduated as the best graduating student during his Nigerian Certificate in Education at Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo in 2015. While offering his course work at Pan African University, he is being recognized with prestigious awards including CcHub and Africa Development Bank Award for his contributions to game development for individuals with special needs.

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