Motivation for Students to Participate in Non - Traditional Outdoor Activities

Kristīne Karašniece, Agita Abele

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In recent times sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle have become some of the most topical
issues and discussion subjects. The problems caused by sedentary lifestyle are faced not only by adults,
but by young people too. While addressing surrounding students we have concluded that students do
not always necessarily want to take part in classic sports events, as it can be hard to find the motivation,
or factors that would motivate them to prepare and take part in such competitions. Students find less
traditional sports events in rural environments more binding and motivating, where participants need to
prepare and promote the interest in sports through cooperation and a daring in a non-standard
environment. These activities are directed towards creating a sense of community, enhancing inner
motivation and encouraging character development by motivating the participants to overcome their
self-perceived boundaries and not to give up. A variety of outdoor recreational and adventure activities
that provide new challenges and unprecedented experiences is held. Examples of sports events in Latvia
include „The Strong race”, „X-race”, „Dublis” and different kinds of orienteering competitions the
implementation of which requires a rural environment with its natural and artificial obstacles. During
the study different students’ opinions about the motivating factors for participation in such events will
be assessed along with students' opportunities and willingness to engage in physical activities while
faced with the challenges of a rural environment. Purpose of the study: To assess students' main
motivating factors when participating in physical outdoor activities and competitions. Subject of the
study: Participants and organizers of the outdoor activity „The Strong Race”. Methods of research:
theoretical, empirical and statistical. Most important conclusion is that in the classic race the motivation
of winning something is no longer sufficient enough to draw a wide range of young people towards
movement activities. Most of the young participants do not deny that to be good at movement activities
requires a daily workout, however, during the race they want to enjoy themselves alongside their peers
and friends. These are the nowadays key points how to get young people involve in sport activities.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRural Environment. Education. Personality. (Reep)
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 9th International Scientific Conference
EditorsV. Dislere
Place of PublicationJelgava
PublisherLatvia University of Agriculture
Pages74-80
Number of pages7
Volume9
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Publication series

NameRURAL ENVIRONMENT. EDUCATION. PERSONALITY. (REEP)
ISSN (Print)2255-808X

Keywords*

  • Motivation
  • Outdoor activities and competitions
  • Physical activities
  • The rural environment

Field of Science*

  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 3.1. Articles or chapters in proceedings/scientific books indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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