More Adults in Wales Are Getting Involved in Sports

More Adults in Wales Are Getting Involved in Sports

A recent survey shows that the amount of adults regularly taking part in sports or physical activity in Wales is at the highest level it has ever been. Sport Wales says there has been a 34% jump between 2008 and 2012. Swimming, cycling and running have seen noticeable increases while figures have also risen for football and golf. The survey conducted by Active Adults found that 262,000 more people aged from 15 to over 65 do some form of sport or activity three or more times a week than the amount that did it in 2008. The results show that since 2008, participation in swimming has increased from 11.4% to 15.7%. Running or jogging has increased from 6.9% to 13.4%. Cycling or mountain biking has increased from 7.5% to 10.3%. Football has increased from 6.7% to 8.9% and finally golf has increased from 3% to 4.3%. Sport Wales chief executive Sarah Powell was delighted with the results of the survey. “This is a stark contrast to what we're seeing elsewhere in the UK and marks a significant upturn in what has been a very static set of figures historically,” she said.

Positive Benefits of the Survey Results

According to Sarah Powell the results show that there is a “clear and significant” link between sporting activity and improved health which, according to Sport Wales, could save the NHS a whopping £53m per year. Another study in October revealed almost 50% more children are taking part in sport and physical activity regularly than two years earlier. The School Sport Survey also suggested boys were still more likely than girls to regularly join in sport. Sport Wales chairman, Professor Laura McAllister said: “The increase in adult sports participation is the latest in a series of positives for sport in Wales. The key issue now of course is how we improve further.” Culture and Sport Minister John Griffiths welcomed the results of the survey. “Being involved in sport can bring so many benefits, from making new friends and learning new skills to improving physical and mental health and fitness, so I am delighted that so many more adults are experiencing these advantages,” he said. “There is still some way to go until we bridge the gaps in the levels of participation between men and women and socio-economic groups but the increase across the age ranges is a significant step in the right direction.” What do you think about the results of the survey and how can the rest of the UK follow the example set by Wales when it comes to participating in various sports? Leave your comments below.