ABSTRACT
The concept of participation turns on how people can feel fully engaged in sports activities while feeling respected and valued. This approach provides a broader understanding of social inclusion within the context of sports. This chapter examines strategies that sports leaders can use to effectively foster participation. It begins by defining the concept of participation and delving into its theoretical foundations and the societal ideologies associated with it. The discussion then links participation to leadership theory, sports management literature, and power and discusses the boundary conditions of participation. Subsequently, the theoretical insights are connected to empirical data, exploring how sports leaders in Europe perceive their role in facilitating social inclusion through participation. Finally, the chapter offers practical recommendations, addressing what leaders can – and cannot – do to encourage meaningful participation within their spheres of influence.
