Abstract
Our study examines sports participation among socioeconomically disadvantaged children in Slovakia, with a focus on identifying barriers and motivational factors influencing their involvement. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data was gathered from students in public schools across southern Slovakia’s least developed districts, employing a stratified sampling method to ensure diverse socioeconomic representation. The primary instrument was a self-administered questionnaire which captured data on demographics, sporting habits, and perceived barriers to sports participation. The results indicate significant disparities in sports engagement between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged children. Disadvantaged children reported higher barriers to participation, notably financial constraints, limited accessibility to facilities, and lack of social support from family and community. Despite these barriers, sports are viewed as a potential medium for enhancing social inclusion and personal development among these children. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to reduce these barriers, such as improved accessibility to sports facilities, financial support, and community-driven sports programs. This study contributes to understanding the multifaceted impact of socioeconomic status on sports participation and highlights the importance of sports in fostering social equity and health benefits among disadvantaged youth.