FEWER AUSTRALIANS PARTICIPATING IN SPORT
Fewer Australians were participating in sport and physical activities in the 12 months before interview in 1999-2000. Specifically, 55% of adults had participated in sport or physical activities in 1999-2000, down from 59% in 1998-99. Participation declined in every State and Territory except for Western Australia. Furthermore, the decrease in participation was observed for each of the age groups, with the largest decrease occurring in the 45-54 year age group (49% in 1999-2000 compared with 56% in 1998-99).
The two top participation activities were walking (19% of adults) and swimming (14%). For men, golf was most popular (16% participating) while for women, walking (24%) topped the list.
These results were published in the final issue of Participation in Sport and Physical Activities, Australia, 1999-2000 (ABS Cat. no. 4177.0; $19.50) which was released on 24 October 2000. This publication contains information on the characteristics of participants (e.g. age, sex, State/Territory, membership status), whether the sports were organised and the frequency of participation.
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