An Examination of Motivation for Participation in Charity Sport Events

Abstract

This paper examines the impact that motives for charitable giving and sport event participation have on charity sport event participation. In making this examination, the authors determine the factors that contribute to attraction to a charity sport event and highlight the differences between core and contextual motives. Focus groups were conducted with charity sport event participants to discuss what motivated their participation and the meaning of participation. Results revealed that intellectual, social, and competency motives along with the motives of reciprocity, self-esteem, need to help others, and desire to improve the charity contribute to attraction to charity sport events. These results highlight the similarities and differences between motives for event participation that underscore the importance of the context.