Document Type : Research
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 MA Student, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
The concept of a sports-friendly city, as a new approach to sustainable urban development, underlines the development and improvement of urban spaces that facilitate physical activity and sports for all citizens, regardless of age, gender, ability, and socio-economic status. This approach, beyond mere construction of sports facilities, seeks to integrate sports and physical activities into urban planning and people's daily lives. In this regard, the present study, adopting a futures study approach and the mixed method (qualitative-quantitative), explores the indicators of a sports-friendly city and its role in the sustainable development of cities in Khuzestan province. This study, by collecting data through library resources and distributing questionnaires among 50 experts of sports and urban planning in Khuzestan province, employs the Delphi method and the interaction effects matrix (MICMAC)to identify key factors underpinning the development of this concept in the region. The results showed that among 20 key indicators of the sport-friendly city in the urban development of Khuzestan, 12 factors were identified as the main variables with the highest impact. The successful sports models, cooperation of related organizations, and diversity and appeal of sports programs were identified as the key sub-indices with direct and indirect impact on urban development, respectively. Overall, the results showed that Khuzestan province has desirable conditions in the field of a sport-friendly city. However, the findings can serve as a valuable guide for decision-makers, planners, and investors to take appropriate measures to shape a brighter future for this city.
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