Keith Howard

Recreational sport involvement is recognized as a primary way for college students to stay physically active and maintain satisfactory levels wellness (Blumenthal, 2009). However, many students do not make the connection between the relationship of recreational sport involvement and its potential for health and wellness (Blumenthal, 2009). While the importance of being physically active is generally understood by most college students, data indicate that more than half of the students at U.S. colleges and universities do not meet the minimum requirement for daily physical activity (Blanchard et al., 2008) and less than half are involved in recreational sport (Forrester et al., 2006). This percentage is even lower for the African American student population (Blanchard et al. 2008). A challenge for sport and recreation providers in college settings is to reach students who may not feel a sense of belonging) in recreation and sport settings (Lindsey, 2012). Research indicates that African American college students at predominantly white universities may not feel a sense of belonging in many social settings within the campus environment (Kuh, Cruce, Shoup, & Kinzie, 2008). Moreover, several studies in recreation, leisure, and sport literature suggest that certain activities are viewed as being more appropriate for members of a particular race (Byrne & Wolch, 2009). Data will be collected through the implementation of two web-based, e-mail surveys designed to assess motivational factors, physical activity preferences, and appeal of a broad range of sport, fitness, and recreational activities of college students on campus.