Table 3.

Identified sub-themes, categories, and sub-categories.

Sub-themes	Categories	Sub-categories
1. Adjusting to SCI	(a) Disturbance to life	Disturbance to function Disturbance to identity
	(b) Coping and growth	Importance of mindset Importance of support
2. Factors influencing sport initiation	(a) Facilitators to initiating sport	Family, peers, and mentors Rehabilitation facilities with sport Pre-injury sport participation
	(b) Barriers to initiating sport	Coming to terms with disability Messages in healthcare
3. Outcomes resulting from sport participation	(a) Benefits of sport participation	Improving strength and independence Preventing secondary complications Improving mental health Growing and reshaping themselves Having an outlet Learning with and from others Finding their community Having competition Feeling “normal” Accepting their injury
	(b) Challenges of sport participation	Individual factors Logistics of traveling Finances
4. Reshaping views of SCI	(a) Breaking stereotypes	–
	(b) Teaching and inspiring others	–