Impact of Covid-19 restrictions on sport detailed in new report
Sport Ireland today published the findings of the Irish Sports Monitor (ISM) 2021 Quarter 1 report, which shows that overall levels of physical activity have increased on 2019 figures despite a decrease in organised sport participation.
The research, conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of Sport Ireland, examined the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on sport and recreational walking in the period from January to March this year, comparing the results to the same period in 2019 and equivalent studies undertaken during the Covid-19 restrictions.
The number of adults walking for recreation is up from 65% in 2019 (the most recent Irish Sports Monitor report) to 76% in Q1 2021. This figure, however, is down from the all-time high of 80% during April to May last year.
Running and cycling have experienced similar fluxes, with today’s report showing an increase on the same period in 2019 but a decrease in participation levels during Covid-19 restrictions.
The release of the research findings coincides with the publication of Sport Ireland’s Participation Plan 2021-2024 – Increasing Participation in Changing Ireland. The plan outlines how Sport Ireland will continue to help people get active by removing barriers to participation in sport and physical activity in the coming years.
The Sport Ireland Participation Plan actions will be delivered through local sports partnerships, national governing bodies, strategic partners, clubs, communities and individuals.
Behaviours
Equivalent research undertaken by Ipsos MRBI during Covid-19 restrictions found that rather than giving up on sport and physical activity, the people of Ireland adapted their behaviours and took up new sports and activities.
Last year, declines in indoor sports, team sports and organised sport due to imposed restrictions were offset by unprecedented increases in outdoor activities such as running, cycling and recreational walking as well as home-based personal exercise and weight training.
However, today’s report, covering the period January to March 2021, shows the gains made in running, cycling and home-based exercise last year have receded. Sports participation decreased to 35% – the lowest level since 2007. This contrasts to one of the highest levels of sports participation recorded of 47% in the same time period of 2019.
The decrease was seen across all age groups and in both genders, with 44% of respondents having reported giving up one or more sports or physical activities due to Covid-19.
The upward trend in recreational walking continues in this quarter’s report, however, with three in four adults walking for recreation on a regular basis. There is also hope for indoor sports and organised sport as 89% of people who have given up one or more sports/activities during the pandemic say they intend to return once restrictions allow.
The Sport Ireland Participation Plan is built on, and guided by, the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP) and the Sport Ireland Strategy 2018-2022. The Participation Plan takes into consideration Healthy Ireland – A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 and the National Physical Activity Plan, as well as global and national developments.
The chief executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, stated: “The last year has been very difficult for everyone and for the sports sector as whole. Sport Ireland and the sport sector is committed to helping everyone in Ireland get active and experience the incredible health benefits sport has to offer. The Participation Plan 2021-2024, published today, will help address any negative impact on participation as a result of Covid-19 as well as build on the strong foundations put in place through the hard work of everyone in the sector.
“Support from all departments across government will be required if we are to create an environment and culture that lends itself to sport and physical activity. Cooperation among all stakeholders will be key to achieving the ambition to make participation a way of life that is enjoyed equally by everyone in society. I look forward to working together with all involved to make an impactful change in the years to come.”
Research
The announcement today coincides with the publication of two important international pieces of research which highlight the significant health benefits associated with being physically active during the pandemic.
Research from Glasgow Caledonian University found that physical activity reduces the risk of illness with Covid-19 and increases the efficacy of vaccination. Research published in the British Journal of Medical Science, meanwhile, found that of a sample of 48,440 people in America who were diagnosed with Covid-19, those who were physically active on a regular basis had lower odds of being hospitalised, requiring ICU admission or dying from the illness.
These publications recommend promoting the importance of physical activity during the pandemic and suggest combining vaccination campaigns with safe physical activity programmes to boost vaccine effectiveness.
The director of participation and ethics with Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May, commented: “Overall, the findings of today’s Irish Sports Monitor are positive. However, they do show the difficulty in increasing participation levels during restrictions.
“We are happy to see the return of some sports this month and work is underway by NGBs and LSPs to encourage people to return safely to sport and physical activity in the weeks and months ahead.
“The decrease in participation across lower socio-economic groups is an area of concern and one that will be addressed by the Participation Plan. The plan aims to work with those most at risk of having lower sports participation and physical activity levels.
“By working closely with our stakeholders and partners, we will support innovative, inclusive and collaborative programmes which will address the challenges posed by demographic, social and economic changes in the years to come.”