CONCEPT OF IMPLEMENTING INCLUSION IN PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES OF WAR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract

In the current conditions of the war for Ukraine’s Independence, the number of veterans in the country has significantly increased. The implementation of inclusive practices in physical culture and sports is critically important for their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The study aims to substantiate a system of views on the ways of implementing inclusivity in the physical culture and sports activities of war veterans and their family members in order to identify patterns in the development of a society of equal opportunities. Methods: Analysis of scientific literature; deductive method; synthesis and generalization; systematic approach.Results: The concepts of social justice and equal opportunities, which became relevant in the mid-20th century, have been explored. These concepts are key to creating a harmonious society and are based on major social theories, including Marshall’s social citizenship, Rawls’s theory of justice, Oliver’s social model of disability, and Sen and Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, which focuses on real freedoms and rights. The analysis has revealed that for war veterans, who have a special status, formal equality is insufficient; there is a need for the active creation of conditions that consider their physical and psychological needs. A concept for implementing inclusivity in physical culture and sports has been proposed, based on the patterns of development of a society of equal opportunities: equality, respect, openness, innovation, and the role of the state. A mixed-methods research design has been substantiated to achieve the set goal. Gaps in domestic scientific research on the topic have been analyzed and identified.Conclusions: The study has theoretically substantiated the concept of implementing inclusivity in the physical culture and sports activities of war veterans and their family members. The concept is based on the patterns of development of a society of equal opportunities and draws on key social theories, including Oliver’s social model of disability, Sen and Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, and Fraser’s theory of inclusion. A mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of inclusive practices, have been proposed. A limited number of domestic scientific works dedicated to this topic have been identified. The proposed concept will serve as a practical tool for data collection, policy, and strategy development that will improve justice and human rights for war veterans. This is critically important for their physical and psychological recovery.