Sport Ireland research shows Unprecedented Number of Adults Participating in Sport and Recreational Walking

The number of adults participating in sport and recreational walking during Covid-19 restrictions is unprecedented in the history of Sport Ireland research according to the second volume of a report published today.

According to the research, which was conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of Sport Ireland, the current participation rate in sporting activity is 51%. Three sports dominate the sporting landscape at present with approximately 710,000 participants in exercise, 680,000 runners and 510,000 cyclists.

The research was in five phases, beginning on 28th February with the latest phase covering 30th April to 15th May. In total over 5,000 interviews took place during this period.

A further promising finding from the report is that the combined effect of the participation in sport and recreational walking means that the proportion of adults described as sedentary in the National Sports Policy has declined to 11% compared to 22% during the same period in 2019. This is the lowest level of sedentarism ever recorded by Sport Ireland.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, said: “The findings of the second volume of research commissioned by Sport Ireland show that sport and physical activity still play a very important role in society throughout the Covid-19 crisis. The importance of regular exercise for physical and mental wellbeing cannot be stressed enough. It is promising to see that the sports participation rate currently sits at 51%, which is higher than the target set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027. As Ireland looks to reopen society and business in line with the roadmap laid out by Government, sport and physical activity will play an important role as we look to emerge from this pandemic. The background work being put in by the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships will ensure that this is the case.”

The numbers of adults walking for recreation have increased throughout the crisis, increasing by a cumulative 18% over the five phases of the research. The figure of 83% is the highest level ever recorded and is equivalent to over 3.1 million regular walkers. More than half of the adult population (52%) report that they are engaging in sufficient levels of activity to meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines.

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, added: “Despite the restrictions in place around sports facilities, team sports and a number of other sporting activities, it is welcome to see that overall levels of participation are now greater than they were during the same period in 2019. It is really encouraging to see a strong uptake in recreational walking among those under the age of 35, in particular the 15-24 age group where participation has jumped from 51% to 89% throughout the restrictions. Another positive is the gender gap in participation, which is now virtually non-existent. During a period unprecedented in modern times, it is highly encouraging that Irish adults are seeking to look after their own health and well-being through taking part in regular sport and physical activity. The sports sector is continuing to innovate and support individuals in staying active in safe manner. We look forward to the controlled reintroduction of more sporting activity in line with the Government’s roadmap over the coming months.”

Download The Impact of Covid-19 Restrictions on Sport and Recreational Walking - Report 2 here. 

If you want some encouragement or advice on how to get active visit our Fingal Sports Office site: https://learning.fingal.ie  for some great activity videos and other resources.