MOTIVOS DE PARTICIPACIÓN DEPORTIVA EN NATACIÓN COMPETITIVA EN NIÑOS Y JÓVENES

This study analysed the motives of children and adolescents aged between 8 and 14 taking part in competitive swimming. The sample consisted of 165 boys and girls (average age: 10.12), who were federados (i.e. competitive swimmers recognised officially as such by the Spanish Swimming Federation) and attached to a competitive team. The instrument employed was the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ), and the differences in age and gender were the object of the analysis. Results showed dissimilarity as far as age and gender are concerned. Male swimmers are more attracted to individual sports, action and rewards, while female subjects are drawn by the practice of swimming itself. Older swimmers appreciate being with friends and performing an individual sport, whereas younger ones value practising sport in the context of a team, as well as the practice of swimming itself and the recognition which they may gain from it.