Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyse preferences and factors motivating to practise Sports young Lithuanian track & field athletes and to carry out the comparative pedagogical analysis of all possible variations. The subject-matter of the research: the factors motivating the 13-17 year old Lithuanian athletes to choose training in track & field events. It is assumed that 13-17 year old schoolchildren prefer their choice in favour of track & field, because they believe that it develops communicational skills, builds up self-education, maintains good health and helps to achieve representational Sports interests. The following research methods shall be applied: questionnaire survey. mathematical-statistical, comparative pedagogical analysis. The research has been carried out by means of serial principle during the year 2003 and involved three hundred seventy six 13-17 year old Lithuanian schoolchildren (179 girls and 188 boys), which have been selected by a method of random probability. All questionnaires have been filled by subject participants of the research after training sessions and competition events in agreement with all coaches under supervision of a researcher. During the analysis of the research results all the subject-participants have been separated into seven different groups. The first group (E1) included all the respondents, the second group (E2) included 13-14 year old track & field athletes (cadets), the third group (E3) – 15-17 year old track & field athletes (junior). Another division of respondents was based on gender difference, i.e. the fourth group (E4) included 13-14 year old track & field female athletes, the fifth group (E5) – 13-14 year old male athletes, the sixth group (E6) – 15-17 year old female athletes, the seventh group (E7) – 15-17 year old male athletes. It has been proved that there were many factors, which influenced preference for track & field, for example, socializing with other athletes, coach, travel (54.4%); interest to cross-fertilize knowledge, gain practical activity skills (49.5%); build up self confidence (32.2%); invitation by a coach (48.6%); recommendation by a teacher of physical education (42.6%); parental influence (26.2%). Motivation for training is very much influenced by an interest to seek for better Sport results (83.7%), to participate in Sports events (73.3%), to become healthy and strong (74.1%), to become a member of a National Team (62.7%), to become an Olympian (58.3%). The minimal motivation for training is associated with material benefits (18.3%) as well as a wish to become a recognized and honourable person (30.0%). Verf.-Referat