Understanding Special Olympics Experiences from the Athlete Perspectives Using Photo-Elicitation: A Qualitative Study

Background Many individuals with intellectual disabilities experience challenges to participating in organized sport, despite its known benefits. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of participating in sport (Special Olympics) from the perspectives of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Methods Five participants (13-33 years of age) took part in a photo-elicitation project during a 1-month period. Results Our thematic analysis of participant photographs and descriptions revealed the following athlete themes: ‘Connectedness’ and ‘Training in Sport’. Conclusion Photo-elicitation was a useful and important tool in assisting athlete participants to communicate their motivations to participate in sport in ways that using traditional verbal interviewing would not.