The aim of this paper is to understand the role of physical activity and sport in the process of acculturation of immigrant students in secondary schools enrolled in formal education in the province of Almeria (Spain). For this purpose, we have created the Physical Activity and Sport Acculturation Index (PASAI), following the main dimensions that define the social integration of immigrants in the field of physical activity and sport (PAS): mixed relationships, cultural references, engagement and transnationality. A survey was administered to 221 immigrant students, aged 14 to 18 years, enrolled in secondary schools. The results show that the levels of participation in physical activity and sport in young immigrants were lower than the Spanish. Moreover, generation and origin emerged as important elements in the process of sport acculturation; young African - Sub Saharan and Maghrebi - immigrants obtained a lower degree of sports acculturation; and the first generation students attained a lower level of sports acculturation than those of the 1.5 and second generations. In conclusion, schools should review their educational activities if they want to eliminate inequalities in the acculturation process of students from different origins.

immigrants Integration high school Acculturation index Physical activity and sport

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