The number of children participating in sport increased significantly in the 6 months to September 2012 as excitement around the Olympic and Paralympic Games intensified.

The percentage of children aged 11-15 who participated in sport in the last week (when surveyed) increased from 86.6%, for the 12 months to the end of March 2012, to 94.4% for the 12 months to the end of September 2012.

The percentage of children aged 5-10 participating in sport, outside of school, in the last week also rose from 69.9% for the 12 months to the end of March 2012, to 76% for the 12 months to the end of September 2012.

Strong sports legacy

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said: “These figures give further evidence to the impact hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games had on inspiring young people to get involved in sport. We have a strong, tangible sports legacy in place; increasing opportunities for people to participate in sport and improving facilities. We want to see these numbers continue to rise and create a culture where people have a sporting habit for life.”

The survey also showed that over half of 11-15 year olds (1.6 million) and over a third of 5-10 year olds (1.26 million) were encouraged to take part in sport as a result of the UK hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Further information

• Latest Taking Part supplementary children’s report
• Number of women participating in sport increases
• More about the Taking Part series