WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Outline of main benefits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Builds communities
Binds families
Reduced anti-social behaviour
Education
Economic growth
Environment
National pride
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
The social value of sport and recreation
“Sport has the power to unite
people in a way little else can.
Sport can create hope.
breaks down racial barriers …
laughs in the face of
discrimination … speaks to
people in a language they can
understand.”
- Nelson Mandela
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Social capital in the community
• The ‘glue’ that binds us
• Clubs and organisations develop social
capital





Important in regional areas
Community gatherings
Sense of belonging
Foster friendships
Lower crime rates
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Social inclusion
• Everyone “gets a go”
• Offers a chance to “connect”
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Tangible results
“My mum signed me up because I used to
sit at home and do other stuff. Now I play
all types of sports at the centre instead.
The program has helped me to meet
others in the community and through the
referee training we have also learnt how to
treat others fairly.”
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Benefits of participation
• 1 million West Australians
over 15 undertake organised
activity
• 173,000 children from 5-14
play organised sport
• 121,000 volunteers
… however
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
The downside
• Average 10-yr-old a 2 in 5 chance of not playing
sport
• 37% don’t get the required 60 minutes of daily
physical activity
• The dangers:





isolation
de-motivated
overweight
diabetes
heart disease
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Our wellbeing
MENTAL
PHYSICAL
Self esteem
Cardio disease
Motivation
Diabetes
Self worth
Some cancer
Stress
Injury prevention
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Preventing at-risk behaviour
• Learn new skills
• Develop confidence
• Enhance self esteem,
self-efficacy
• Reduce boredom, apathy
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Economic value of sport & recreation
• Generates $9 billion-plus
nationally
• WA household spend $6.3
billion
• WA sport & rec. retail
spend $409 million
• WA health & fitness centre
income $32m
• 5000 people employed in
health & fitness in WA
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Major events generate income
•
•
•
•
•
•
2007 surf life saving
2006 cricket Test
Johnnie Walker Golf
Red Bull Air Race
2003 rugby World Cup
Busseleton Iron Man
$23 million
$12 million
$8.7 million
$12.9 million
$48 million
$6 million
Source: Tourism WA
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
In the workplace
• Reduced absenteeism
• Improve mental concentration, stamina,
reaction time and memory.
• Increase alertness.
• Develop a better rapport between workers.
• Increase work enjoyment.
• Increase job satisfaction.
• Improve performance.
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
The high price of obesity
• Healthier population = less stress on
the health system
• Obesity costs us dearly:
 $21 billion nationally
 $2.1 billion in WA (2005)
 13,000 deaths annually
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
The environment & urban regeneration
• Affinity with conservation
• Increase in community pride
• Managed open spaces and
trails protect fragile areas
• “Green” transport reduces
pollution
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Sustainable open spaces
• Associated economic
benefits of trails:
 $9 million investment
 Users spend $72 a day
 Bibbulum generates
$21m/year
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
Conclusion
“Sport is not a luxury. On the contrary, sport is an
important investment in the present and the future.”
- Walter Fust, Director General,
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (2005).
WA Department of Sport and Recreation
More information
www.dsr.wa.gov.au
WA Department of Sport and Recreation