University Sports in Portugal: new questions and new possibilities

Abstract

University sport has deserved particular attention from educators and researchers, both nationally and internationally, as university sport is an activity that, in addition to its sporting mission (eg, competitive, cooperative) also has (should have) a social, axiological and cultural mission. However, empirical and investigative analysis seems to demonstrate that university sport is very much anchored in the competitive dimension (i.e., competitive praxis concerned with results, efficiency, performance), “forgetting” the other dimensions/missions. In this context, it seems to be necessary to deepen the specifics of university sport, namely its organizational and praxiological frameworks that lead to a “good port” for all the dimensions it encompasses and not just a few. Given these findings, this article aims to contribute to the reflection of the meaning, importance and possible interventions (new praxis) of university sport, trying to present, for this purpose, possible paths towards the promotion of a total university sport in its human radicality.