PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND THE CHALLENGE OF SOCIAL INCLUSION

Abstract

This study addresses the role of sports and Physical Education as instruments of social inclusion and human development, highlighting the challenges and possibilities of this practice. In the current context, marked by inequalities and exclusions, sports emerge as a powerful tool to promote autonomy, visibility and belonging, especially for marginalized groups. The objective was to analyze how sports practices can be implemented in an inclusive manner, considering the training of Physical Education professionals as an essential factor to overcome cultural, methodological and structural barriers. The relevance of the topic lies in the need to build welcoming environments that guarantee equitable access to the benefits of sports, contributing to a more just and egalitarian society. The results indicate that inclusion requires a collaborative approach, involving educators, managers and public policies, in addition to investments in teacher training and methodological adaptation. It is concluded that sports have transformative potential, but their effectiveness depends on intentional planning that is sensitive to the demands of diversity.