A project in physical education for handicapped and health-risk groups

An interdisciplinary project concerning the physical education and culture of handicapped and health-risk groups, conducted during the years 1976 to 1980 under the auspices of the Finnish Society for Research in Sports and Physical Education, is reported in this paper. The concept of special group used in connection with the project is relative and describes the groups of people who do not receive the normal services in the field of physical activities. The goals of the project were not only to provide these services but also to study the problems connected with the use and supply of these services for these groups. The project approached its goals from the point of view not only of the individuals concerned but also of the organizations involved.

The project was conducted in two towns and one rural community in Finland. Twenty-eight groups were formed in these communities, comprising about 500 participants. Of these, 350 regularly took part in the exercises. About 250 participants and 28 group leaders were studied in more detail. The decision-making and administrative processes at both local and national levels were analyzed. The project resulted in considerable increased activity of the persons taking part in the exercises, most of whom reported favorable results. Most group leaders also gave positive responses when asked about the results of the project. The project also effected a change in the decision-making processes at local and national levels, as more resources were allocated for these purposes than before the project. In this sense, the project fulfilled its original mission as a change agent.