Australia’s sport-loving reputation is heavily skewed towards watching rather than doing according to a new survey.
Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) CEO Kieren Perkins said the latest national AusPlay survey found only one in 10 Australians, aged 15 and over, were taking part in organised sport on a weekly basis.
Mr Perkins said the numbers weren’t much better for children, with one in three playing organised sport outside of school each week.
He said a new ASC-led initiative aimed to help more Australians to find their place in sport and enjoy the benefits of being involved.
“Sport has so many positive benefits – it connects communities and improves our physical and mental health and wellbeing. But some people aren’t giving sport a go because they think it is only for people who are good at it.”
Mr Perkins said busting the myth that sport was only for “sporty” people was the key to changing habits.
He said central to the new project was a resource hub that would support sports to tell their story, no matter how big or small their organisation.
“The hub includes videos, opens in a new tab, posters and assets featuring players, coaches, volunteers and officials from clubs across Australia.
“Sport is for all of us and through Play Well, our national sport participation strategy, we are removing barriers so that everyone that wants to be involved can be involved in sport.”
Mr Perkins said posters, social tiles and digital banners were also available in 11 languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese and Cantonese that sports and clubs can personalise.
“We know only around a quarter of Australians who speak a language other than English at home played organised sport in the past 12 months.
“We want all Australians to hear our message that they are welcome and have a place in sport in Australia.”
Learn more about the Play Well strategy.
