MEDIA RELEASE
22 February 2011	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	22/2011

Dispelling the myth that Canberra is full of sedentary public servants, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that over three-quarters of ACT residents participated in at least one sport or physical recreation activity during the 12 months prior to interview in 2009-10, the highest among all states and territories.

Of the estimated 279,000 ACT residents, nearly half attended at least one sporting event as a spectator,

Cinemas were the most popular cultural venue with an attendance rate of 76%, while rugby union had the highest spectator attendance rate of a sports event with 15%.

Walking for exercise was the most popular physical recreational activity with 27% of ACT residents participating.

Attendance rates to cultural events were higher among ACT females, while attendance rates at sporting events were higher among ACT males.

Sports participation rates were equally shared among both sexes.

Further information is available in In fACT - Statistical Information on the ACT and Region (cat. no. 1308.8).

Media note:
When reporting ABS data the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.