Empower Our Growth as Athletes: Voices of Swedish Athletes With Intellectual Disability

Background People with intellectual disability participate in organised sports to a lesser extent than people in general. The aim of this study was to explore the motivation for engaging in sports among athletes using the theoretical framework of sense of belonging. Method Semi‐structured online interviews were carried out with athletes ( N = 15, 8/7 women/men, 29.5 ± 9 years) with intellectual disabilities. Results The main theme ‘Empower me to grow as an athlete—adapt the support to help me develop my sport skills and social aspects’ showed that motivation, competence, perception, and opportunities were important factors for engaging in sports. Support was an important factor for creating adapted opportunities. Conclusion Athletes with intellectual disabilities have motivation, want to feel competent, and to be athletes who belong in sports and develop as such. They also appreciate coaches giving adapted support that enhances understanding and promotes inclusion in the sport community.