VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 4
questionnaires corresponded to the sports offered at the camp the participant was
attending. This seems to indicate young people may be most interested in activities
to which they are exposed. Early sport sampling promotes long-term success and
enjoyment in sports (Jayanthi et al., 2019). Diversifying movement patterns from a
young age also allows youth to develop a wider range of neuromuscular patterns
that can prevent injury (Jayanthi et al., 2019). Children with visual impairments
may benefit from early exposure to a variety of sports to promote interest and
enjoyment in physical activity.
Perceived Motor Competence
Children with visual impairments often demonstrate low levels of perceived
motor competence compared to their sighted peers (Brian et al., 2018a). However,
in the present research, competence was the second most common reason children
participated in physical activity after interest/ enjoyment. Prior research shows that
participation even in a one-week sports camp designed for youth with visual
impairments can increase perceived motor competence (Brian et al., 2018b).
However, there were no statistically significant differences in competence ratings
between returning and new athletes. Future research could compare scores on a
similar assessment between children who are not attending a sports camp and those
who are to determine if motivations may be different.
Limitations
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