Engelli Spor Politikaları Kapsamında Paralimpik Oyunlara Bakış (The Overview of Paralympic Games in the Scope of Disabled Sports Policies)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to try to understand the role of sports policies for those who are disabled in the participation and success of Turkish Paralympic Athletes in the Paralympic Games, through document analysis which is a qualitative research method. In the historical process, society's approach to people with disabilities has differed. Some approaches, which cause disabled people to be exposed to social exclusion, have been changed and global regulations have begun to be made, with the claim that "society" is the main obstacle itself for the disabled to participate in social life and to be accepted as a part of society. With the increase in awareness of the rights of the disabled in the world, disability policies have also become a state policy in Turkey. Sport is also an important tool for participation and adaptation to social life. Sports policies have an important place in the active participation of disabled individuals in sports activities and encouraging them to do sports. Paralympic Games play an encouraging role in benefiting from the healing effect of sports and participating in sports. In this aspect, sport is an important source of activity for recreational therapy. Sportive recreation activities are an important element of therapeutic recreation that aims to ensure that people with disabilities are not only physically well but also socially, spiritually and emotionally well. In the study, in which literature review, one of the qualitative study methods, was used, the current data were examined and the level of participation in the Paralympic Games and the sportive achievements were examined.  The data obtained shows that Turkey's development, implementation and continuity of disabled sports policies increased the participation in the Paralympic Games and the success shown in the Paralympic Games.