Sport Management for Inclusion and Diversity: Pathways to Sustainable Sport Development and National Unity in Nigeria
Udeme Bassey
Abstract
This study examined sport management for inclusion and diversity: pathways to sustainable sport development and national unity in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, and a sample of 400 respondents comprising athletes, coaches, sport administrators, and spectators was drawn proportionately from six states in the region. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, with 372 usable responses retrieved, representing a 93% response rate. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and one-way ANOVA) were employed at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that sport management practices significantly promoted inclusion in sports (?² = 133.98, df = 4, p < 0.05), diversity in sports participation had a significant influence on sport development (F(2,834) = 11.90, p < 0.05), and sport management significantly contributed to fostering national unity (F(2,834) = 15.95, p < 0.05). The grand mean scores further indicated overall agreement that sport in the South-South region enhances inclusion (M = 3.25, SD ? 0.8), development (M = 3.31, SD ? 0.8), and unity (M = 3.35, SD ? 0.8), though variations across items suggested uneven implementation and contextual challenges. The study concludes that effective sport management and inclusive participation are vital for achieving sport-for-development outcomes. It recommends scaling up grassroots inclusion initiatives, investing in accessible infrastructure, strengthening governance, and designing sport programmes with intentional social objectives.
Keywords
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