The attraction of masters sports: the swimming example

Abstract

This explorative study looks at the factors that attract adults to participate in Masters Sports using members of Masters Swimming clubs in the Wellington area as the study sample. The information was obtained from semi-structured interviews carried out on eight masters swimmers, four with a competitive involvement and four very recreational. The findings are divided into four chapters. The first addresses the current level of involvement and intended future commitment of the participants. The second identifies internal factors that influence participation; participation without pressure, competitive modifications, participation without embarrassment, social contact, opportunities to learn new skills and take part in a new activity, and most importantly the ability to improve fitness and health. The third is devoted to a semi-controversial internal factor; i.e. the provision of competition within a mainly recreational programme. The fourth discusses two possible external influences; the media and role models. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the pertinent issues which have arisen out of the findings and implications for both further research and the development of the Masters movement.