Para-sport provides a critical platform for empowerment and identity formation among individuals with disabilities, promoting not only physical well-being but also psychosocial health. Recent years have seen an increased focus on the integration of disability research within sports science, especially to harness the potential for social justice and holistic well-being. Despite the recognition of these benefits, comprehensive studies on the longitudinal impacts of such sports engagements remain sparse. Current research primarily explores the psychological benefits and social integration facilitated by para-sports, yet there's a palpable need to delve deeper into how these activities influence societal perspectives and structural frameworks over time.

This Research Topic aims to explore and elucidate the psychosocial experiences of para-sport athletes throughout their life stages. The primary objectives are to understand how ongoing participation in para-sport shapes individual identities and societal norms, to assess the influence of sports engagement across the lifespan on broader social structures, and to bolster support mechanisms for both current and prospective para-athletes. Through this research, we intend to inform global policies that ensure equitable and sustainable access to para-sports, ultimately fostering a more inclusive sports culture.

To gather further insights into the varied dimensions of para-sport, this research seeks contributions across a spectrum of scholarly work, from empirical research to theoretical discussions. Articles should broadly focus on, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• Pedagogical approaches in para-sport training and education
• Implementation strategies within organizational and health systems
• Issues and support mechanisms during transitions in and out of sports
• Mental health considerations specific to different stages of athlete development
• Advocacy and policy development for better integration of para-athletes into mainstream sports
• Analysis of Paralympic sport performance and developmental pathways
• Representational equity in para-sports initiatives
• Social capital's role and its implications within the para-sport context
• Promotion and facilitation of physical activity among aging para-athletes
• Sport psychology applications tailored to the needs of para-athletes

This comprehensive scope encapsulates a broad spectrum of investigative areas, promising a rich, integrative overview of how para-sport serves as a vital component in the lives of its participants and the communities they inspire.

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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