Why Sports and Recreation?

 

We believe that sport and recreation opportunities are important to the quality of life for individuals and communities within the Borough of Eastleigh.

 

Sport has the ability to contribute to the wider social issues such as:

 

 

Participation in sport and an active lifestyle have long been associated with benefits to health.  This relationship seems obvious and is now backed by a strong body of research evidence.  This evidence suggests that significant health gains are not limited to vigorous physical activity but may also be achieved through frequent moderate levels of physical activity such as cycling, brisk walking or swimming.

 

One of the most important health problems associated with physical inactivity is obesity.  The UK is experiencing an epidemic of overweight and obesity.  About one adult in five is obese, a proportion which has nearly trebled over the past 20 years.  Our obsession with labour saving devices, which reduce the need for physical activity, also plays a part in contributing to a national trend.  This ultimately costs the NHS billions of pounds to treat each year.

 

 

 

"Sport has the power to unite people in a way little else can.  Sport can create hope where there was once only despair.  It breaks down racial barriers.  It laughs in the face of discrimination.  Sport speaks to people in a language everyone can understand." -  Nelson Mandela

 

The potential for sport and recreation to change lives is well documented through much experiential evidence.  Its capacity to dispel ignorance, challenge prejudice and allow individuals to realise their full potential is huge.

 

Where initiatives have been targeted within socially deprived areas, the positive outcomes reported include an increase in confidence, self-esteem, trust and self-reliance.  Similar outcomes are also achieved where initiatives target people with either a physical, learning or sensory disability, or those from under represented ethnic groups.

 

Levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity among young people are a major problem for society as a whole.  The causes of crime and disaffection among young people are complex and it would be naive to think that sport alone can reduce the levels of youth crime in 'hot spot' areas.

 

Over the last 15 years however, sports, outdoor pursuits and constructive leisure activities have been a well established feature of initiatives whose aim is to divert offenders and young people at risk away from crime.

 

Although there is no hard scientific evidence of a direct causal relationship between involvement in sport and reductions in criminal activity, there is growing experiential evidence that sport can play an influential role.  Indirectly sport can have an impact by providing challenge and adventure, whilst also giving a sense of purpose to young people's lives.  Sport delivered in a sound ethical framework can engender self-respect, self-esteem, confidence and leadership abilities.