Recreation & Open Space Strategy Wagga Wagga City Council
A particularly significant, but yet to be confirmed trend concerns increasing participation rates amongst older people. Government programs (such as Active Australia) and the continued high media exposure of the Masters Games and older adult athlete role models15 are collectively having the result of increasingly encouraging older people to participate in sport and regular physical exercise. If these programs and promotions continue to be successful, and if people over 50 years engage in recreation activities more than their predecessors did, then the use of public recreation facilities may not decline significantly as the population grows older.
9.3.
Sports Participation Trends - Children A recent survey of children’s participation in sport16 found that: •
Of children aged 5-14 years in 2003, 62% had participated in sport outside of school hours, which had been organised by a school, club or association (up from 59% in 2000).
•
Across all age groups, boys had a higher participation rate (69%) in organised sport than girls (54%). Both rates of participation in 2003 were up from 2000 levels: boys (66%) and girls (52%).
•
Participation for boys increased between 2000 and 2003 in the following sports: − − − −
Soccer: 265,000 to 301,000. Swimming: 177,000 to 213,600. Australian football: 170,000 to 184,200. Tennis: 125,000 to 128,300.
….. but decreased for: − − •
Cricket: 134,000 to 124,200. Basketball: 120,000 to 116,100.
Participation for girls increased between 2000 and 2003 in the following sports: − − −
Swimming: 203,000 to 225,500. Tennis: 99,000 to 100,100. Basketball: 81,000 to 88,900.
….. but decreased for: − •
Just as netball is still the undisputed favourite sport played by girls, the popularity of soccer over Australian football and cricket is widening.
•
Other sports growing in popularity are martial arts, rugby and soccer for girls, whilst athletics and softball continue to lose favour.
•
In relation to selected recreation activities: − −
15 16
Netball: 235,000 to 233,200.
There was a decrease in National participation in skate boarding/rollerblading from 2000 (31%) to 2003 (23%). There was a decrease in recreational bike riding from 2000 (64%) to 2003 (62%).
Invariably former champion players who are still actively involved in training/competition for fitness and social outcomes. Children’s Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities April 2003, ABS.
Final Report.doc
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