Abstract

PEREIRA, Ana L.; SILVA, M. Adília  and  PEREIRA, Olga. The Value of the Athlete with Disability: An Analysis through a Portuguese Daily Newspaper. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2006, vol.6, n.1, pp.65-77. ISSN 1645-0523.

The practice of sports for disabled people has increased significantly. Paralympics Games (its maximum symbol) are a sound evidence. In spite of this, these competitions did not have enough mass media coverage, what suggests a neglect of the actual importance of paralympic movement and their representatives. Using content analysis, a Portuguese daily newspaper of the years 1996 and 2000, covering Atlanta and Sydney Paralympics Games, we investigated the value placed on athletes with disability as well as if there has been any significant change in the way society views them. A priori and a posteriori content analysis pointed out the presence of five categories, namely: (i) nationalism, (ii) athlete with disability, (iii) competition, (iv) athlete’s support and (v) public. There has been a significant improvement in the number of reports, which might demonstrate a different attitude in relation to these athletes. However, they are not valued aesthetically, but mainly through their accomplishment. Accomplishment and records seem to get an outstanding importance, suggesting that this kind of sport fits into the logic of modern sport, where the athlete is expected to incorporate a man without limits.

Keywords : athlete with disability; Paralympics Games; press.

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