Despite the ‘high’ of a survey which showed that more people were exercising, the situation is at a ‘low’ as it is said that many in lower socio-economic groups are less likely to be active.
The Sport England Active Lives Survey of 181,535, in the 12 months to November 2019, found that 28.6 million in England met the chief medical officer’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, which is an increase of 404,600 people on the previous 12 months.
That does, however, ‘fly in the face’ of Sport England – the governing body which funds grassroots sport – who reported a significant decline in the levels of activities being carried out – especially those between the ages of 16 and 34.
11.1m adults in England are inactive; with the country’s low socio-economic group some affluent groups.
Now, in addition, with the Covid-19 pandemic taking its global grip, there is fears that the trend for sporting inactivity may grow, with sporting bodies, including those sending athletes to the Olympic Games, in Tokyo, are fearing that they could go under.
Several governing bodies have said that they are facing a heavy financial crisis to the extent of having to cancel events; with financial implications that may well be irreversible.
A spokesperson for UK Sports said: “The current situation, which has caused the cancellation of the sporting calendar for the foreseeable future, has created a significant financial challenge for major sporting bodies.
“We are making sure that we do everything within our powers to support all sporting, at all levels, where possible.
