Developing a framework for optimal talent identification in elite Harare urban paralympic sport · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Midzi, Nigel T.

Title

Developing a framework for optimal talent identification in elite Harare urban paralympic sport

Abstract

Talent identification is the backbone of sport. , The study focuses on developing a framework for optimal talent identification in Zimbabwe Paralympic sport. In Zimbabwe, talent identification in Paralympic sport is not a popular topic. Athletes are scouted using traditional methods of talent identification but they have their limits. The research focuses on identifying current talent identification models, the challenges faced when implementing them and the solutions to the problems. The study was carried out in Harare, where the majority of the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Committee board members and the main organization offices reside. The board members of the ZNPC were the target population of this study and this is because they have knowledge about how they conduct talent identification at their teams. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected using interview guides and questionnaires. The data was analyzed using data analysis software, and the results were presented using charts and graphs. The findings of this study shed some light on the current situation Zimbabwe is in when it comes to proper talent identification. Eight (8) participants out of ten(10 ) managed to take part in an interview and fifteen(15) out twenty( 20) participants were able to complete the questionnaire. The results of the study showed that there was an information gap about talent identification in Paralympic sport and this was shown by seven(7) out of fifteen(15) participants remaining neutral when questions concerning a deeper understanding of the process of talent identification were asked. The research proposed a structured mixed method of talent identification. The model is mixed because it combined all other main models which are school based model (where athletes are scouted in schools), community based models (where community programs for people with impairments organized and scouts identify talent within the crowd) and national competitions (where para-athletes already involved in sport are scouted to become professional athletes). The study addressed the challenges that Zimbabwe faced during the process of implementing its current models of talent identification. Those challenges like lack of funding can also be a problem in the new model of talent identification but the research also proposed solutions to tackle those problems.

Date

July 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Optimal Talent Identification

Paralympic Sport

Supervisor

Nil