Job satisfaction in university community projects and social inclusion with athletes with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

The study analyzed the satisfaction of beneficiaries of the “Sports and Recreational Care Project for People Attending the Special Olympics Foundation of Ecuador Athletes Club,” developed by teachers and students from the Faculty of Physical Culture at the Central University of Ecuador. The objective was to evaluate the satisfaction of athletes with intellectual disabilities, family members, coaches, and managers regarding university work in community projects and social inclusion. A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional approach was applied, using a survey validated by experts on a random sample of 181 participants. The results showed a high level of overall satisfaction, with 55.8% rating the behavior and discipline of the students as very satisfactory, 60.2% rating the treatment received positively, and 57.5% highlighting the contribution to the physical, social, and emotional development of the athletes. The planning, methodological strategies, materials, and working time were considered adequate. It was concluded that the project promoted the social inclusion and overall well-being of the athletes, strengthened the academic and social education of the students, and projected the university as a transformative agent in the community.