Integration of disabled and able-bodied sport activities in badminton: A case study of the Finnish Para-badminton

Sport for people with disabilities is still in early stages when compared to able-bodied sport. Paralympic sport is also relatively young field of study with a high potential for development. The purpose of this research is to find out how sport federations for disabled people could collaborate with the able-bodied federations, and how disabled athletes could be provided better and more equal possibilities for training and professionally organized competition systems. This study examines how disabled sport, especially para-badminton, while being relatively small sport among disabled sport, could be organized in a more professional manner. Also the existing possibilities for integration and/or co-operation between the disabled and able-bodied sport organizations are examined.