MEDIA RELEASE
13 July 2012	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	99/2012

Children's participation in organised sport and dancing increased from 67% in 2000 to 70% in 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Children aged eight to 11 had the highest participation rate in 2009, with 71% participating in organised sport and dancing. The lowest participation rate was among children aged five to seven (64%).

Busy kids are also the most active. Children who participated in extra-curricular activities were more likely to be physically active. Of the 126,700 children who participated in drama activities in 2009-10, 87% were also involved in organised sport or dancing.

Putting the nerd stereotype to rest, 71% of children who did homework were also involved in sports compared to only 56% of students who did not do homework activities.

Most people with a disability are also participating in sport. Over two-thirds (68%) of people with a disability participated in sport and physical recreation activities in the twelve months prior to 2010. Males and females had almost the same level of participation, at 68% and 67% respectively.

The ACT had the highest proportion of people with a disability who participated in sports and physical recreation activities.

For further information see Perspectives on Sport (cat no 4156.0.55.001).

Media notes:
When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.