Read Getting Set for an Active Nation - Sport New Zealand

arriers through the inclusion in physical recreation or sport of persons from diverse
backgrounds. The benefits of physical activity, of positive experiences in recreation
and sport, may be less tangible than economic costs and profits but are no less valid in
New Zealanders' experience.
The Business Research Centre (BRC), for the Hillary Commission (1998), noted the
contribution of sport and other physical leisure activities to social cohesion at
individual, family, community and national levels. At the individual level, recreation
and sport can provide a sense of belonging to a group and community. It can build
character through the participant’s experience of diverse life situations and the positive
support of a coach and team-mates or other athletes and the participant’s family. The
acceptance of decisions – and of sport’s ups and downs – is integral to sport, as is the
resolution of ethical questions. Similarly, community identity and feelings of
community pride are engendered in a positive social climate that offers and
recognises, recreation and sport achievement. For young people at risk the results of
ventures such as Project K indicate a means of enhancing social cohesion.
Recreation with its outdoor challenges in an environment that causes people to work
together, set high targets for a day’s tramp, or share responsibilities in a demanding
physical situation provides many opportunities for self and group development.
• Increasing Maori participation rates in physical activity, especially if coupled with
successful anti-smoking programmes, has potential for marked health
improvement, and consequent individual, whanau, hapu and iwi wellbeing. A
significant economic benefit would be a welcome by-product of such improvement.
• Active participants in physical leisure programmes have identified the benefits of
physical activity as fitness, more energy and good feelings for participants,
experiences of enjoyment or fun, and the association with friends. Fitness
programme organisers noted those who have become involved in physical leisure
had taken the first step towards a healthier lifestyle and, if sustained, that
significant health benefits would accrue to them (Te Puni Kokiri, 1995).
• The New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council in a paper to The Hon.
Margaret Austin, 26.5.99 noted that the values of the New Zealand Curriculum
Framework can be acquired through sport as “The societal benefits are so
important that the education system cannot afford to neglect or minimise sport …
sport education contributes directly to the acquisition of essential lifeskills” (New
Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council, 1999, pp.5-6).
• “Researchers have indicated that leisure activities such as sports may be significant
in creating opportunities for identity development, social meaning, levels of
competence and intrinsic satisfaction in adolescence” (Sport England, 1999, p.23).
• The role of outdoor education providing students with opportunities to develop
personal and social skills has been noted in a range of Ministry of Education
statements and publications.
Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness & Leisure January 2001 page 42 of 153