Projeto Handebol, Inclusão e Cidadania: análise dos significados e contribuições atribuídos por ex-participantes ao projeto

Abstract

Social inclusion sports projects have become notable as important social policies aimed at children, adolescents, and youth. Considering the relevance of such projects, this research aims to investigate the contributions of the "Handball, Inclusion, and Citizenship" project from the perspective of former participants. The specific objectives were: (1) to identify the relationship of former participants with sports prior to joining the program; (2) to analyze the experiences lived and developed during the program; (3) to detect the possible outcomes of the program in the participants' lives years after its conclusion. The research universe comprises the "Handball, Inclusion, and Citizenship" project, developed in public schools in the metropolitan region of Goiânia for children and adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) former participants of the project for data collection. The Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) method was used for data analysis. The results indicate that the project was the first environment where participants had in-depth contact with sports practices, and that the influence of friends was the main reason for joining. Regarding the period spent in the project, the positive environment provided by good relationships with peers and teachers, seen as a support network, was a determining factor for improved school coexistence and increased affection for sports and the desire to train. After the end of the project, participants reported contributions related to the development of values, positive interpersonal skills, responsibility, and influence on career choices. Therefore, the experience is seen as successful and capable of leaving marks in adult life, both in relation to sports practices and in the social sphere. It is concluded that the project provided significant experiences in the lives of the participants, highlighting that past sports experiences can impact adult life.