Active Adults Survey for Sport Wales

Sport Wales has revealed that the nation is embracing sport like never before as adult participation figures hit record highs. The Active Adults Survey conducted by Ipsos shows significant growth in participation with the numbers of adults taking part in sport three or more times a week at their highest ever levels. The figures show a major jump from 29% of the adult population taking part three or more times a week in 2008 to 39% in 2012 – that’s a 34% increase in the number of people enjoying the many benefits of sport. Furthermore, this increase in participation in sport translates into a potential saving to NHS Wales of £53 million per year as the survey clearly shows that people who are exercising three or more times a week are much more likely to report ‘good’ or ‘very good’ health.

There have been impressive increases in sports like swimming, as 15.7% of adults now head to the pool compared to 11.4% in 2008. 13.4% enjoy running, jogging or other athletic disciplines, compared to 6.9% in 2008, while 10.3% cycle or enjoy mountain biking (7.5% in 2008). Football and golf are also in the top six activities with 8.9% and 4.3% respectively of the population taking part, compared to 6.7% and 3% four years previously.

Technical Note

Ipsos was commissioned by Sport Wales to carry out the 2012 Active Adults Survey (and is currently carrying out the 2014 Active Adults survey). Each wave is a large, pre-selected study, covering a range of issues regarding adult participation levels in sport and leisure across Wales, in addition to exploring health and wellbeing and cultural topics. In 2012, 13,145 interviews were conducted spread evenly across all Welsh local authorities. Interviews were spread across the year to ensure participation levels for different types of sports were captured across the seasons. The survey forms an evidence base from which Sport Wales prioritise their work and that of their partners, as well as providing further understanding of the motivations, barriers and unmet demand for sports participation amongst adults in Wales and patterns of (non) participation. The data is also used by local authorities, National Governing Bodies of Sport, policy makers and practitioners in sport, leisure and culture, health, education and transport services.