Influencing Factors on the Development of Disability Sports in Developing Countries: The Case of the Kingdom of Thailand

Abstract

   In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized that support for disability sports in developing countries is important. However, the influencing factors on the development of disability sports is unclear, especially in developing countries. This study focused on the number of athletes participating in the Paralympics as one index to promote sports for the disabled. From the case study, we aimed to clarify factors and effects affecting the increase the number of athletes. The subject of the survey was the Kingdom of Thailand, which has increased the number of its athletes participating in the Paralympics since 2000 as a developing country. From literature collection and interview surveys we gathered data on the incidents that have a significant impact on the increase in the number of competitors at Paralympics. The results revealed that both domestic factors and foreign factors affect the number of athletes participating in the Paralympics. Particularly in the domestic factors, the hosting of international competition triggered the increase in the number of competitors in the Paralympic Games. The significance of the meso level factor was indicated. On the other hand, foreign factors such as the institutional changes of the Paralympic Games by the IPC have been exerting influence and the existence of higher meta factors became clear.