Rise in number of children playing sport
Latest Taking Part figures show increase in sport participation as London 2012 excitement grew.
The number of children participating in sport increased significantly in the 6 months to September 2012 as excitement around the Olympic and Paralympic Games intensified.
The percentage of children aged 11-15 who participated in sport in the last week (when surveyed) increased from 86.6%, for the 12 months to the end of March 2012, to 94.4% for the 12 months to the end of September 2012.
The percentage of children aged 5-10 participating in sport, outside of school, in the last week also rose from 69.9% for the 12 months to the end of March 2012, to 76% for the 12 months to the end of September 2012.
Strong sports legacy
Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said: “These figures give further evidence to the impact hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games had on inspiring young people to get involved in sport. We have a strong, tangible sports legacy in place; increasing opportunities for people to participate in sport and improving facilities. We want to see these numbers continue to rise and create a culture where people have a sporting habit for life.”
The survey also showed that over half of 11-15 year olds (1.6 million) and over a third of 5-10 year olds (1.26 million) were encouraged to take part in sport as a result of the UK hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.