Factors Preventing Students with Disabilities from Participating in Sports at Rural Universities in Limpopo Province

Students with disabilities face challenges that limit their participation in sports activities designed to promote social cohesion. This study examined factors that discourage students with disabilities from engaging in sports at rural universities in Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Trustworthiness was ensured through measures of credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability. Credibility was established through prolonged engagement with participants during the data collection process. Confirmability was maintained by transcribing interview recordings verbatim without alterations. Transferability was supported by employing an appropriate study approach, design, target population, and inclusion criteria. Dependability was ensured by minimizing bias in participant selection. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with sixteen students with disabilities, ten staff members from disability units at rural universities, and three staff members from sports and recreation units. Ethical principles-including informed consent, anonymity, privacy, confidentiality, and harm prevention-were consistently upheld throughout the study. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic reflexive analysis approach. Five main themes emerged: perceptions of including students with disabilities in sports programs; barriers preventing their participation; university support for students with disabilities interested in sports; the importance of engaging in sports programs; and interventions to encourage participation among students with disabilities. People with disabilities experience social exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of trained staff to support them in sports. The development and implementation of inclusive sports facilities can help address the challenges that prevent people with disabilities from participating in sports programs. An intersectoral approach is needed to ensure that people with disabilities participate in sports activities that promote a healthy lifestyle at universities.