Massey University study shows big events can boost sport participation

When New Zealand triathlete Hamish Carter won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics it provided a spark for more Kiwis to get involved with the sport.

Now Massey University research is showing how all sports could benefit from higher participation rates if they offer major competitive events and develop sound infrastructure to support them. 

That same year, the Manawatu Triathlon Club hosted the youth triathlon series I Tri’d the Tri and attracted 300 participants over three events. Eight years later, numbers are up 400 per cent for adults and more than tenfold for children. 

In the past decade, major national triathlon events have been adapted at a regional level and clubs have employed Sport New Zealand’s organisational development tool, encouraging a wide range of demographics to get involved. 

In Manawatū, participation rates have soared to almost 1200 last year. Youth participants increased from 300 in 2004 to 3400 in 2012-13.

Massey University Associate Professor Andy Martin, who is also the Manawatu Triathlon Club vice-president, witnessed first-hand the surge in popularity, published research on the topic and is avid triathlete himself, currently training to qualify for the World Triathlon Championships in Edmonton, Canada.

Dr Martin explains “the introduction of major triathlon events, along with improved organisational infrastructure, has been important in developing the significantly increased and sustained participation.

"This can be used as a model for participation in other sport and recreation interventions as well.”

Co-author Dr Andrea Eagleman, a senior lecturer in sport management in the College of Health's School of Sport and Exercise, says “the range of sporting opportunities presented in New Zealand for all ages and at all levels is impressive and provides many ways for families to engage in regular physical activity".

The research also links to the structure of the sport facility and event management paper Dr Martin teaches in the school.

He adds “throughout the course students will assist with the I Tri’d the Tri series, the inter-school triathlon, and the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.

“These opportunities allow the students to observe and apply theory to practice. They then add value to their own events and projects in the practicum paper.” 

Their case study of regional sport organisation development in triathlon was published in the Journal of Applied Sport Management – Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2014.

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