Viktorija Piščalkienė, Laura Žlibinaitė, Petra Muraus, Enikő Nagy, Marita Mattila

Abstract

The analysis was performed while participating and doing research in a project “Villages on the Move Go (VOMGO)” which is focused on one of the main objectives of EU sport policy: promote awareness and healthenhancing physical activity (HEPA). Motivation is widely-researched in sport psychology and other fields. Motivation for participation in sport is an important object of sport research, therefore it is important to apply reliable research tools.

Aim of the research – to identify trends of “Fire Souls” motivational factors related to sport club establishment. Method. This paper analyses the results of open-ended questions, which are presented in quantitative terms (descriptive statistics) and statistical correlation analysis. Participants. The study involved 43 persons who are strongly related with the activities of sport clubs. They have established these clubs and are currently the enthusiasts of these clubs, as they represent them by participating or managing their activities, organizing various activities at the national and / or international level. In the “Villages on the Move Go” project and in this article, they are named as “Fire Souls”. Fire Souls are representing seven European countries: Finland, Lithuania, Cyprus, Slovenia, Hungary, Belgium and Portugal. All of the “Fire Souls” involved in this study were experts with extensive experiences in sport and physical activity. Results. The most frequently mentioned motivational factors for “Fire Souls” to run the sport clubs were participation in sport activities from childhood and search for innovative sport activities or benefits to the community. “Fire Souls” who once volunteered at the sport clubs practiced winter sports. The factor “personal life changes” is related to activities with vulnerable groups, implication of the sport education is related to gymnastics, acrobatics, active lifestyle and achievements are related with cycling. The factor “search for the innovative sport activities for the community” correlates with dancing, search for the innovative sport activities for the community is related with the occupation as physical education teacher. The most common motivational factors for men and women “Fire Souls” are participation in sport activities from childhood, search for innovative sport activities and benefits to the community. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors were almost indistinguishable from “Fire Souls” experience in sport activities. Conclusions. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors of “Fire Souls” determine sport and active leisure activities for individuals seeking professional and nonprofessional athletic performance, contributing to the promotion of public health and quality of life.

Keyword(s): motivational factors, “Fire Souls”, healthenhancing physical activity, “Villages on the Move Go (VOMGO)”.

DOI: 10.35988/sm-hs.2021.232
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