Document Type : scientific-research article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Sports Management Department, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Master's degree in Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract
The concept of a "sport-friendly city" is an innovative approach in sustainable urban development, emphasizing the creation and improvement of urban spaces that facilitate physical activity and sports for all citizens, regardless of age, gender, ability, or socioeconomic status. This approach goes beyond merely providing sports facilities; it seeks to integrate sports and physical activities into urban planning and daily life.
In this vein, the current study adopts a futures research approach to analyze the indicators of a sport-friendly city and its role in the sustainable development of cities in Khuzestan Province. The research employs a mixed-methods paradigm (qualitative-quantitative). Data were gathered through library resources and questionnaires. Khuzestan Province was selected as the study area, and a sample of 50 experts in sports, urban planning, and urban development fields was considered. For data analysis, the Delphi method and MICMAC (Cross-Impact Matrix) were utilized.
The results revealed that out of 20 key indicators for a sport-friendly city's impact on urban development in Khuzestan Province, 12 factors were identified as key and influential. These variables exhibited the highest influence and lowest dependency on the future urban development of sport-friendly cities in Khuzestan Province. The study's findings indicated that in terms of direct influence, the sub-indicators "existence of successful sports models in the city", "cooperation and coordination among sports-related organizations and institutions", and "diversity and attractiveness of sports programs" ranked first to third with scores of 798, 718, and 638, respectively. Similarly, for indirect influence on urban development and sport-friendly cities in Khuzestan Province, the sub-indicators "existence of successful sports models in the city", "cooperation and coordination among sports-related organizations and institutions", and "diversity and attractiveness of sports programs" were recognized as the three main and prominent factors, with scores of 735, 702, and 660, respectively.
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