Train and sports activities participation amongst Singapore residents at all-time excessive: SportSG survey

SINGAPORE: Train and sports activities participation amongst Singapore residents was at an all-time excessive in 2022, in response to findings of an annual survey by Sport Singapore (SportSG) that was launched on Tuesday (Jun 27).

Seventy-four per cent of respondents surveyed final yr mentioned they exercised or participated in sports activities at the least as soon as every week. Amongst them, greater than half participated in these actions twice every week or extra.

The general determine of 74 per cent is an enchancment from 72 per cent in 2021 and 69 per cent in 2020. It is usually sharply greater than the 54 per cent in 2015 – the primary yr that the Nationwide Sports activities Participation Survey was carried out.

The highest 5 actions amongst contributors final yr have been strolling (40 per cent), jogging (29 per cent), callisthenics (15 per cent), biking (11 per cent) and swimming (9 per cent).

That is Singapore’s solely nationwide survey on train and sports activities participation. It was carried out repeatedly throughout the yr, involving at the least 4,500 residents – each Singapore residents and everlasting residents – aged 13 and above.

Insights from the survey are used to assist authorities form sporting programmes and initiatives for residents.

Talking to reporters at a media occasion on Tuesday, SportSG CEO Alan Goh mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a optimistic impact on participation ranges.

“We noticed a number of participation improve throughout the pandemic as a result of folks had time and so they needed simply to have entry to services,” he mentioned.

“Individuals have been at residence and there was time to truly concentrate on sports activities and we capitalised on it to give you programmes.”

With extra folks going again to the workplace post-pandemic, the problem will likely be how you can maintain such ranges of participation, Mr Goh mentioned.

“My crew will simply wish to proceed pushing the restrict to see how we are able to preserve and even improve this participation,” he added.

“I’d wish to suppose that the extra we push on this path, there will likely be advantages to people. They’re going to even be advantages to our healthcare system if folks keep match.”

SportSG’s technique group chief Lee Huei Chern mentioned the research has proven that through the years, there’s a sure share of the inhabitants that won’t take part in sports activities and train for varied causes.

Transferring ahead, the company goals to extend the frequency and high quality of train and sport amongst contributors.

“We recognise it’s excessive now, we hope to stick with it there, regardless of all the life-style adjustments that will occur,” she mentioned, including that the general survey findings are a step in the proper path.

“It begins us on the proper footing in the direction of constructing a wholesome SG (Singapore), there’s sufficient analysis on the market to hyperlink bodily actions with well being outcomes,” Ms Lee mentioned.

The outcomes are additionally a great indicator of what frequent pursuits are, she famous.

“It additionally provides us alternatives to see what else is there (which) we are able to present when it comes to programmes, when it comes to occasions, and be assured of (a) sure take-up,” she added.

“That’s one thing that we’re inspired by and I believe these are all good potential (outcomes) that we are able to see with a extra lively inhabitants.”