Abstract
Background
Individuals with Down syndrome face significant barriers to social interaction and employment, limiting their opportunities for independent living and social inclusion. Despite the recognized physical and psychosocial benefits of sport participation, its potential role in preparing individuals for employment has received limited empirical attention. Furthermore, the perspectives of parents who are primary caregivers and decision-maker remain largely absent from the literature. This gap is problematic because parents' perceptions directly influence access to sport and employment opportunities. Therefore, understanding how parents view the link between sport participation and employment outcomes is critical for designing effective, family-centred interventions.
Methods
This qualitative phenomenological study employed semi-structured interviews with 18 mothers of individuals with Down syndrome who regularly participate in sports and are employed at Down Café. Participants were selected through criterion and maximum variation sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following the six-phase framework of Braun and Clarke [1].
Results
Six main themes emerged: Development, Responsibility/Cooperation/Continuity, Social Interaction/Communication, Transfer to Workplace, Future Hope/Independent Living, and Suggestions for Development. Parents reported that sport improved physical, psychological, and social development while fostering discipline, responsibility, and time management. These skills transferred directly to the workplace. Mothers noted enhanced social acceptance, peer communication, and hope for their children's future. However, systemic gaps including lack of trained specialists, insufficient inter-institutional cooperation, and limited policy support were identified.
Conclusion
Sport serves as a transformative intervention preparing individuals with Down syndrome for employment and social inclusion. The study supports the Social Model of Disability and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, showing that societal barriers-not individual impairments-are primary obstacles. Practically, findings call for group-based sports programmes focused on skill transfer, expanded supported employment models, and active family involvement. This research provides authentic insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to harness sport as a vehicle for economic participation and social inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.
