The effect of educational sports games on socialization of individuals with down syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of participation in educational sportive games on socialization and other developmental areas of individuals with Down syndrome. Material and Method: In this context, how educational sportive games affect the social interactions, personal development and social adaptation of individuals with Down syndrome is considered as the main problematic of the research. The population of the study consists of the parents of 80 individuals with Down syndrome living in Yeşilyurt district of Malatya province. The sample group consists of the parents of 30 individuals with Down syndrome who are members of the Malatya Down Syndrome Association. Participants were determined on the basis of volunteerism and the sample was formed by random assignment method. In the data collection process, Demographic Information Form and Social Integration Scale in Sport (SSIS) were used. The families of individuals with Down syndrome who participated in the study were administered the SSI before the study, and then an educational sportive game program was implemented for 80 minutes a day, 4 days a week for 12 weeks. Within the scope of the program, activities including 30 minutes of practice and 20 minutes of rest were presented to the individuals. At the end of the process, the scale was applied again and the changes in the socialization levels of the individuals were analyzed. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 program and statistical evaluations were made. Findings: Participation of individuals with Down syndrome in educational sportive games provided significant improvements in terms of socialization, physical development, psychological well-being and social integration. In particular, an increase in the social interaction levels of individuals was observed, in-group communication skills improved and their sense of social belonging was strengthened. Conclusion: Although the study reveals the positive effects of educational sportive games on individuals with Down syndrome, it has certain limitations. Since the study was limited to a single region and the sample size was limited to represent a large population, it is recommended that similar studies be conducted in different regions and xi with larger sample groups in the future. In addition, long-term follow-up studies should be conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of educational sportive games. Keywords: Down syndrome, Educational games, Socialization, Sports.