EFFECTS OF CAMPS/CLUBS ON PERFORMANCE OF KENYA PARA ATHLETES

Abstract

Camps/clubs are used throughout a Para Athlete career beginning from when talent is identified and trained, to when they participate and perform at athletics competitions. The purpose of this study is to investigate how Camps/clubs influence the performance of Para Athletes. The study analyzed the Para Athletics Camps/clubs in Kenya. It aimed at identifying the influence of camps/clubs available on performance aspects of Para Athletes. These aspects include the athletics expertise, competitive style, sportsmanship, and rivalry obtained from the conceptual Model of Athlete Brand Image. An exploratory case study was done to twenty (20) Para Athletes after theoretical sampling from the total sixty-six Para Athletes (66). In-depth interviews were done on the Para Athletes and observation method for data collection. Validity and reliability were tested using a pilot study to five (5) Para Athletes. The data analysis was done guided by grounded theory research design using the Straussian approach. The study found that camps/clubs were not there for the Para Athletes and hence no effect was experienced on their performance. Two major themes were identified concerning the Camps/clubs approaches to the performance of Para Athletes. First, the Para Athletes acknowledged extremely limited interaction to Camps/clubs. Secondly, the Para Sport structure and leadership proved to explain the nature of current camps/clubs. Based on the findings of the study, further research should be done to develop appropriate Para Sport structure and leadership to influence Camps/clubs and Para Athlete performance