Exploring Lived Experiences of Kenyan Para-Athletes: Turning Barriers into Possibilities

Ojwang, S., Foster, Rebecca and Odiango, R. (2025) Exploring Lived Experiences of Kenyan Para-Athletes: Turning Barriers into Possibilities. Journal of Sport for Development, 13 (1). pp. 1-15. ISSN 2330-0574 (Online)

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Abstract

Background: In developing countries, participation and
success in elite para-sports are relatively low primarily
because of the numerous barriers para-athletes face. The
objective of this study, which focused on elite para-athletes
from Kenya, was to investigate their lived experiences and
how they overcome these barriers to participate and excel at
the international level.
Methodology: A qualitative research approach was
employed to collect data from the participants through
virtual interviews. Five participants (three females and two
males) were selected using a purposive sampling strategy
and interviewed using semi-structured questions. The data
obtained were analyzed using Interpretive
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Findings: Based on the gathered data, four primary themes
emerged: local para-sports events, a supportive environment,
media, and international aid. These factors play a crucial
role in enabling para-athletes to excel in their respective
sports and achieve international recognition.
Conclusion: The lived experiences of para-athletes shed
light on strategies for approaching and overcoming barriers
to para-sports participation, ultimately leading them to
compete at the highest levels of para-sport events. This
study provides valuable insights for para-sport practice,
policy, and research and can guide the development of
intervention programs for para-athletes in developing
countries

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