Canberra leads in sport participation

Canberra is leading the nation in terms of participation in sport according to a report, Sport and Physical Recreation: A Statistical Overview, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Speaking about the findings, ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr has highlighted the report found that 79.5% of Canberrans over the age of 15 participate in physical activity for recreation, exercise or sport, stating âthis is the highest participation rate of any State or Territory in Australia and compares to a national average of 65.9%.
âThe report also finds Canberraâs children are participating in organised sport more than other Australian children, with 75.4% of ACT boys and 66.1% of ACT girls aged between five and 14 taking part. This compares to a national average of 68.9% and 57.8% respectively.
âGetting Canberra kids into sport and physical activity has been a focus for the ACT Labor Government because research shows that kids who get into sport early are more likely to lead active and healthy lives as adults.�?
The report also found that 60.1% of Canberra males aged over 15 attended a sporting event during the 12 months prior to the survey (2005-06), which is the highest of any State or Territory.
âAustralia has a reputation as a nation of sports lovers,�? Minister Barr stated, âand this report shows Canberra truly leads the nation in our love of and participation in sport.�?

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4156.0