In the field of adaptive and paralympic sports, substantial growth in popularity and recognition has been witnessed over the past decade, marked significantly by events such as the Seoul 1988 Summer Paralympic Games. These games, along with the breakthrough London 2012 Paralympics, have set new benchmarks in terms of promotion, infrastructure, and media exposure. While the Paralympic and Special Olympics sectors have seen notable increases in both attention and financial support, so have various adaptive sports disciplines not typically included in the Paralympic games roster. This increasing prominence has led to a pressing need for greater professionalization across all facets of these sports, inviting parallels with traditional high-performance sporting environments.

This Research Topic aims to analyze and highlight the professionalization processes within Paralympic and adaptive sports. Specifically, it seeks to explore the effects of increasing professional standards on athlete performance and testing, coaching quality, organizational governance, governmental and para governmental sporting support, and the overall integrity of these sports. The objective is to investigate the multifaceted impacts of these processes, evaluating how they influence the broader dynamics of the sports involved and their corresponding communities.

To thoroughly explore this critical evolution, the scope of this research includes:
• The requirements and impacts of training and implementation of high-performance coaching
• Talent identification and developmental practices including sports performance testing
• Management and structural advancements in sports organizations and federations
• Upgrades to local, national and international competition systems
• Health and well-being of athletes, including physical, social and psychological aspects
• Career management and planning for athletes, addressing also the phenomenon of career dropouts
• Economic factors encompassing media rights, sponsorship, and the emergence of new markets
• Normative and ethical challenges, including classifications, use of assistive technologies, and drug testing
• Discourses on equality and inclusivity, examining disparities in gender, ethnicity, accessibility to sporting opportunities, and socio-economic status

Contributions are encouraged that provide insight and foster discussion on the complexities and opportunities arising from advancing professionalization within Paralympic and adaptive sports. This comprehensive scrutiny aims to offer a holistic view of the integral systems and frameworks shaping these fields.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Professionalization in Adaptive and Paralympic Sports: Current Trends and Future Directions