An Expert-Informed Grounded Theory of Health-Oriented Participatory Sports Competitions in Iran: From Episodic Competition to Sustainable Health-Promoting Participation

Mohammad Amin Shahidi Bonjar; Zahra Nobakht Ramezani; Mehdi Naderi Nasab; Seyed Abbas Biniaz; Arefeh Jamshidi

Authors

Mohammad Amin Shahidi Bonjar PhD Candidate in Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qa .C.,Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran Author
Zahra Nobakht Ramezani Assistant Professor of Sport Management ,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qa .C.,Islamic Azad University,Qazvin,Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5109-5394
Mehdi Naderi Nasab Assistant Professor of sLSport Management ,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qa .C.,Islamic Azad University,Qazvin,iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6226-2995
Seyed Abbas Biniaz Assistant professor of Sport Physiology ,Department of physical education and sport sciences, Qa .C.,islamic azad university,Qazvin,iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9934-6874
Arefeh Jamshidi Assistant Professor of Sport Management ,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Qa .C.,Islamic Azad University,Qazvin,Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2117-4565

Keywords:

Grounded theory; sport events; sport participation; health promotion; sport-for-all; public health; Iran

Abstract

Participatory sport events can provide an accessible entry point to physical activity, social connection, and health promotion; however, one-off competitions do not necessarily generate sustained participation. This qualitative study aimed to develop an expert-informed grounded theory explaining how health-oriented participatory sports competitions in Iran may be organized to support sustained, health-promoting participation. Classical grounded theory with Glaser’s emergent approach was used. Fifteen experts in sport management, sport-for-all, public health, physical activity, and participatory sport-event organization were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews continued until theoretical saturation. Interviews were audio-recorded with participants’ agreement, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through constant comparison, open coding, selective coding, theoretical coding, and memo writing. Analysis generated 106 initial codes, 41 subcategories, and 13 main categories organized into four overarching dimensions: (1) institutional and strategic requirements; (2) participation and health architecture; (3) assurance of responsible implementation; and (4) learning and health legacy. The core category was “transforming episodic competition into sustainable health-promoting participation.” The emergent model suggests that intersectoral governance and evidence-based planning provide the conditions for inclusive and health-centered design; responsible implementation supports safety, service quality, communication, and sustainability; and post-event monitoring creates a feedback mechanism through which anticipated physical, psychological, social, behavioral, and organizational legacies may be strengthened. The findings conceptualize these competitions as recurring, learning-oriented components of a broader participation system rather than isolated events. The model provides a context-sensitive framework for sport and public-health policymakers, municipalities, sport federations, and event organizers seeking to connect event participation with longer-term opportunities for physical activity.

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