Realizing life value through sport: multi-perspective exploration of Chinese children with intellectual disabilities in sports competitions through a capabilities approach lens

This study explores the experiences and perspectives of Chinese children with intellectual disabilities (ID) participating in sports competitions from multiple viewpoints, utilizing the Capabilities Approach as a theoretical framework. Through online semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (7 children with ID, 5 parents, and 3 coaches) from diverse regions of China, the research examines how sports participation co bbntributes to capability development and life value realization. Thematic analysis developed four key themes: (1) the progressive recognition of sports’ value beyond physical activity; (2) multidimensional capability development across physical, social, emotional, and agentic domains; (3) the complex interplay of sociocultural, institutional, and personal factors that facilitate or hinder participation; and (4) the processes and critical junctures through which resources are converted into expanded capabilities. The findings demonstrate that sports participation represents a powerful pathway for developing capabilities, particularly agency and autonomy, where children with ID often experience the most restriction. The study contributes to extending the Capabilities Approach to a previously understudied population within a non-Western cultural context, while providing evidence-based insights for policy development and program implementation in China. Realizing the potential of sports for capability development requires coordinated efforts across multiple levels – from families and coaches to policy makers – to create more inclusive pathways for children with ID to realize their full potential as valued members of society.