Volunteer Motivations for the Malaysian Paralympiad

Abstract Many sports events depend on volunteers. Understanding the motivations of volunteers would enable organisers to successfully recruit and retain volunteers. This research investigated the motivations of volunteers at the 13th Malaysian Paralympiad (a biennial national multi-disability and multi-sport competition) which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June 2006. The motivation of 301 volunteers was assessed using the Special Event Volunteer Motivation Scale. Factor analysis revealed five motivational factors: Purposive, Solidary, Commitments, Family traditions and Use of free time. Solidary (social interaction and personal growth) and Purposive (altruistic) were the most important factors. Gender differences were found on four motives.