Abstract
Background
We wished to pilot a survey of volunteers at the annual Watersports Inclusion Games regarding benefits and barriers to participation. We collaborated with community partners regarding the impact of the event, which invites individuals across physical, sensory, intellectual and learning ability spectrums and those experiencing barriers accessing mainstream sport to participate in watersports.
Aims
The project aimed to assess the survey data in the context of current knowledge about volunteers in watersports inclusion.
Methods
Literature review was completed using keywords in databases and grey literature. An anonymous survey of participants gathered basic data using industry-standard encrypted techniques and opt-in methodology, including qualitative and quantitative aspects. Data was quantitatively analysed using Excel and SPSS, and free text was analysed to explore themes using Braun and Clarke (2006).
Results
This pilot data demonstrates the role, demographics, motivations and benefits for the 2019 volunteer cohort. Seventy-nine of 208 volunteers responded. We describe demographics of the cohort and explore psychological benefits of volunteering at the event. Of 78 responses, 94% (n = 73) gained confidence, and 95% (n = 74) felt more engaged with the watersports community. Of 79 responses, 95% (n = 75) gained skills, and 96% (n = 76) learned more about inclusion by volunteering.
Conclusions
Our plot data supports previous evidence of the value of volunteerism in inclusive watersports, for the event and for volunteers. It is the first article on inclusive watersports volunteers in Ireland we are aware of, and the largest cohort of inclusive watersports volunteers surveyed internationally.
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Availability of data and material
The data of this study is available from the corresponding author, AOF, upon reasonable request.
Code availability
Not applicable.
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Acknowledgements
Thanks to the organisers of the Watersports Inclusion Games 2019, Irish Sailing, with partners Canoeing Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Cork Local Sports Partnership, Kinsale Yacht Club and KYC Sailability, Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre, Irish Wakeboard and Waterski Federation, Surf 2 Heal, Spinal Injuries Ireland, Sailing into Wellness, Waterabilities and Wet Mongrel Adventures, among others who have donated time and resources, and Sport Ireland for enabling the event through the granting of Dormant Account Sports Inclusion Funding.
Funding
This study is supported by the Summer Studentship from Health Research Board.
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Ethics approval
Anonymous survey data of non-vulnerable adults deemed exempt from ethical review by the Temple Street Children’s Hospital ethical review board.
Consent to participate
Participants were non-vulnerable adults who elected to opt-in to this voluntary survey; all data is anonymous.
Consent for publication
Participants were non-vulnerable adults who elected to opt-in to this voluntary survey; all data is anonymous.
Conflict of interest
Ms. Aela O’Flynn reports no conflicts. Ms Johanne Murphy reports to be the Watersports Inclusion Games Officer for Irish Sailing, and thus responsible for the organisation of the event. Dr Elizabeth Barrett reports no conflicts.
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O’Flynn, A., Murphy, J. & Barrett, E. Psychological benefits for volunteers at the Watersports Inclusion Games. Ir J Med Sci 191, 2247–2252 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02834-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02834-6