The Role of Sports Volunteering in Achieving Social Inclusion and Empowerment for University Students with Disabilities in Light of Saudi Vision2030

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the role of sports volunteering in enhancing the social inclusion of university students with disabilities in Saudi universities, uncover their level of participation in sports volunteer activities, and highlight the prominent challenges they face and the institutional support measures necessary to activate this participation. Additionally, the study sought to explore future visions and aspirations from their perspective.

The research utilized a descriptive-analytical methodology and employed a questionnaire administered to a sample of (228) male and female students with disabilities across several Saudi universities. The results revealed that sports volunteering plays a positive role in fostering social inclusion, interaction with others, a sense of belonging and equality, and developing self-confidence and self-efficacy among students with disabilities, as the vast majority of the sample expressed positive attitudes toward considering it an effective tool for social integration.

Conversely, the results indicated a low rate of physical activity practice within the university and a low level of satisfaction with current initiatives supporting sports integration, pointing to a gap between the perceived importance of sports volunteering and its practical implementation. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that students' reluctance to participate in sports volunteering is primarily driven by organizational, environmental, and logistical obstacles—such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of adapted programs, scheduling conflicts with academic timetables, and financial costs—rather than psychological factors or a lack of motivation.

Participants emphasized that enhancing participation requires an integrated support system that includes preparing facilities, providing transportation and assistive tools, specialized training and supervision, and spreading a culture of inclusive volunteering within the university. The research recommends the necessity of adopting a participatory institutional model that integrates universities, sports authorities, and community organizations, thereby contributing to the empowerment of university students with disabilities and achieving their effective and sustainable social inclusion.