Sport for all as a vital pillar of social development and public health, face significant financial challenges in Iran. Heavy reliance on government funding, the absence of a stable financial system, and the failure to leverage the capacities of the private sector and public participation are among the main obstacles to the economic development of this sector. This research aimed to design a model for the economic development of sport for all centered on stakeholder participation.
This study is applied in purpose and mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) in design. In the qualitative phase, data were collected and analyzed using the grounded theory method and interviews with experts. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire and descriptive-inferential statistical methods were employed. The statistical population included senior managers of the Sport for all Federation, heads of provincial boards, and experts in sports economics.
The findings identified the effective factors, categorized into five main groups: structural-institutional, financial-economic, cultural-social, legal-regulatory, and technological-infrastructural. Furthermore, the participation of stakeholders, including the government, private sector, public institutions, and the people, was identified as the core of the proposed model.
The final conclusion indicates that the economic development of sport for all in Iran requires a shift from a unilateral, state-centric model towards a multi-source and participatory one. Key strategies of this model include utilizing private sector capacities, attracting public investment, developing sports marketing, and establishing transparent financial mechanisms.