Sport Ireland has published the Irish Sport Monitor 2023 report, which shows nearly two million adults in Ireland participate in sport every week – more than ever before.

Regular participation rates have grown from a low of 40% at the peak of the pandemic in 2021 to 47%, while the difference in sports participation rates between men and women in 2023 is the narrowest on record at just under 3%. This is largely due to women’s sports participation increasing by 6% between 2022 and 2023 – it now stands at 46% compared to 49% for men.

There are other significant findings in the research including a continued reduction in the gap between those of differing socio-economic backgrounds, and a bounce back in the numbers volunteering, being part of a club and attending sporting events.

Over the coming days we will break the data down into ten bite-size chunks focusing on different areas where the data, drawn from annual interviews with more than 8,000 individuals will shed a light on what has been happening, and help to shape policy on what will happen next.

On Thursday we will devote our Thursday interview to a chat with Sport Ireland Director of Research and Innovation, Benny Cullen.

Personal Exercise, Swimming and running remain the three most popular sporting activities, each of them rising in 2023 over 2022. Cycling comes next in fourth , holding steady as does lifting weights in sixth with Football overtaking it and climbing to 4% participation in the previous seven days across the adult population. Gaelic Football, Dancing, Golf and Yoga complete the Top 10, each of them recording an increase over the last 12 months.

“It is terrific to see record levels in sports participation recorded in Ireland which are underpinned by record levels in state funding for sport,” said Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne.

“I welcome the confirmation that nearly two million adults are participating in sport every week in Ireland, and I am determined to see these numbers continue to grow over the coming years.”

“As Sport Minister, I am particularly heartened to note the progress being made in female sports participation and I know that the additional funding provided under the Women in Sport funding initiative has been crucial in this regard.”

“As a Government, we are making real progress in delivering on our key policy targets for sport and we will continue working to ensure that every person, of every ability, can enjoy the right to participate in sport.”

The difference in sports participation between socio-economic groups also reached its narrowest level since the pandemic. Although this difference is still significant at 19% it is much lower than the 34% difference measured in 2017.

Sports participation levels increased in 2023 among both younger and older age groups, with 64% (up from 60% in 2022) of those aged under 35 and 40% (from 35% in 2022) of those aged 35 and over playing sport regularly.

“Sport Ireland’s commitment to research underpins our decisions at every step.” added CEO Dr Una May.

“The 2023 ISM report provides invaluable insights to Ireland’s sports participation and physical activity levels.”

“I would like to acknowledge the Government, our National Governing Bodies, and Local Sports Partnerships, local clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and participants for their commitment to promoting sport in all its forms.”

Social participation figures in club membership, volunteering and event attendance also increased in 2023 and although event attendance figures are the highest ever recorded, club membership and volunteering figures are still slightly behind pre-pandemic highs measured in 2019.

Sport Ireland has also released a report mapping the contribution of the Irish National Sports Policy (NSP) to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in total the NSP aligns closely with 10 of the SDGs.

We will also cover this in greater depth in the coming days.

“The 2023 Sports Monitor presents positive numbers on participation and volunteering,” concluded Sport Ireland Chair John Foley.

“Continuing to grow participation across all sectors of society is a major priority and we look forward to working with all our stakeholders in the achievement of our goals.”

 

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