SWIMMING TOPS SPORTS IN GOVERNMENT SURVEY
Swimming is revealed as the nation's most popular participation
sport in a Department for Culture Media and Sport survey released
this week.
The "Taking Part" survey, commissioned by DCMS
alongside Sport England, English Heritage, Arts Council England
and Museum, Libraries and Archives Council, is the first comprehensive
study of how people spend their leisure time and swimming
topped the list of sports enjoyed by the public.
Commenting on the report, Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)
Chief Executive David Sparkes said: "This report clearly
identifies the nation's passion for sport and the continued
interest in swimming as the number one participation sport.
"Perhaps more importantly it reaffirms once again that
swimming has the greatest potential to impact on increasing
participation in sport and activity. This has been demonstrated
through schemes such as the ASA's Everyday Swim programme,
in conjunction with Sport England, and the Kellogg's Swim
Active initiative.
"Clearly further investment into swimming, in the provision
of facilities, coaches and opportunities, will greatly help
towards getting our nation fitter and tackling the ever increasing
problem of obesity."
The Taking Part survey revealed 94% of adults in England
engaged in at least one form of sporting or cultural opportunity
during the past 12months with 69% participating in active
sport.
People in the South East are more likely to participate in
sport and swimming beat visiting a gym, jogging and playing
football as the most popular sport.
The purpose of the report is to help shape future Government
policy to improve the nation's engagement across sport, cultural
and leisure sectors.
Commenting on the findings, Secretary of State for Culture,
Media and Sport Tessa Jowell said: "This comprehensive
survey shows the vital role culture and sport play in the
life of our country. It tells us how people are getting involved
- be it playing sport, visiting our national museums or stately
homes, playing a musical instrument or tracing their family
history.
"It allows us to focus our efforts on where we need
to do more so that everyone is able to enjoy inspiring activities.
"And the news that adults encouraged to play sport during
childhood are much more likely to stay active in later life
is proof positive of why our drive to promote sport among
young people is so important. This is the lasting legacy for
future generations of our commitment to school sport."
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