Prospects of drone racing implementation in inclusive physical education and sports environment of higher education institution: analysis of students ‘and teachers’ opinions

Introduction. The World Health Organization, pointing to the decline in physical activity and the increasing number of people with disabilities, calls for addressing these social problems, including through physical activity. The commitment of young people to virtual life and passive leisure leads to a deterioration of their health, determining the introduction of technological types of physical activity into the academic environment of the university, considering the interests of the «digital generation». The aim of the study is to identify the opinions of students and teachers about the prospects of integrating drone racing into the educational and inclusive physical culture and sports environment of the university. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in three stages. Stage 1: questionnaire survey of 106 students with different levels of health; Stage 2: semi-formalized interview of 37 students, which was conducted to clarify the results of the questionnaire; Stage 3: formalized interview of 39 teachers studying under the program of additional professional education “Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator”. Based on the conducted research, a model of integration of drone racing into the physical culture and sports space of the university was formed. KEYWORDS The results of the study opinions of students and teachers showed significant interest in drone racing as an innovative sport. 62.1% of students indicated their interest in drone racing as an innovative sport and 74.1% of teachers. Respondents from both groups are interested in integrating educational courses on UAV control into the teaching process. In the student population, 75.5% of respondents showed such interest, while 59% of teachers showed such interest. The study showed that one third of students want to participate in competitions, but only every sixth teacher is ready to form a sports team for this sport. Based on the research, a model of integration of drone racing into the physical culture and educational space of the university and inclusive sports has been developed. drone racing, students with disabilities, inclusive sports, innovative technology Conclusion. The results of the research can be used in the development of educational and sports programs for the training of specialists in modern society. An analysis of the results of testing the technology of introducing drone racing into the inclusive physical culture and sports environment of the university can be proposed as a direction for further