Sport & Health
Community sport and active recreation is at the forefront of the fight against lifestyle related diseases.
The World Health Organisation estimates throughout the world there are at least 1.9 million deaths among people aged 15 years and over which are directly attributable to physical inactivity. In 1991, Australia’s first burden of disease study attributed 13,000 deaths per year to physical inactivity. In addition, physical inactivity was estimated to be responsible for 6.6% of the total burden of disease and injury in Australia in 2003. In financial terms, the total costs attributable to the burden of lifestyle diseases in Australia are estimated to be $3.7 billion annually; high costs for what are in many cases ‘preventable’ diseases.
In Australia we have an extensive community sport and active recreation network. Over 11.1 million people aged over 15 participate at least once per week in physical activity for exercise, recreation and sport.
In Victoria, we have a total of 1.1 million participants over the age of 15, and 1.77 million participants aged 5-14 years engaged in sport and active recreation pursuits.
Realistically, the community sport and active recreation network is the only network capable of reaching every member of the community and providing physical activity opportunities at all levels.
Conservative estimates indicate Australia would save $8 million annually for every 1% increase in the proportion of Australians achieving a sufficient level of physical activity for health.
Included in this section is information relevant to the important role sport and active recreation plays in promoting physical, mental and social health benefits at all levels.
Click on the relevant link below to view or download documents.