Doncaster had biggest fall in sporting activity of anywhere in England following 2012 Olympics

Doncaster has seen the biggest decrease in the number of people playing sport of anywhere in the country since the 2012 London Olympics - following which it was hoped a generation would be inspired to keep fit.
Doncaster has seen the biggest drop in the number of people participating in sporting activity of anywhere in the country since 2012.Doncaster has seen the biggest drop in the number of people participating in sporting activity of anywhere in the country since 2012.
Doncaster has seen the biggest drop in the number of people participating in sporting activity of anywhere in the country since 2012.

Figures released by Sport England today revealed that the number of people across the borough engaging in sporting activity has fallen by 13.2 per cent since the London Olympics four years ago.

This is the highest decrease of anywhere in the country, and is based on the number of people who play sport or exercise at least once week.

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According to the figures 39 per cent of Doncaster's adults regularly played sport or exercise once a week, this has since dropped to 25.8 per cent.

Karen Johnson, Assistant Director of Communities, said: “The drop in the number of adults participating in sport in Doncaster is obviously disappointing and we need to do more to encourage our local people into sport.

“One such initiative is Let’s Get Active which we have introduced in a number of communities across the borough. This three year Sport England funded scheme launched earlier this year and the numbers of adults already taking part in its various sporting activities is very positive.

“We continue to invest in our leisure centres with £936,000 being invested this year to make improvements to the buildings and have again seen both our walking and cycling festivals grow with 1,782 people attending last year.”

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Meanwhile, Oxford had the highest registered increase of people engaging in sporting activity with 13 per cent.

Nationally, 15.8 million people play sport or exercise at least once week, which is a drop of 0.4 per cent since 2012.

Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn said the fall was 'disappointing' and a sports charity said the Games' promised long-term legacy had not yet emerged.

Sport England said participation had risen by 1.7 million since 2005.

To find out more about sporting classes and activities taking place across Doncaster click here.