A London Sport and Physical Activity Plan for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities

Sport England, the Mayor of London and Sporting Equals have jointly commissioned a Sport & Physical Activity Action Plan for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Communities in London.

Participation rates in sport show inequality across genders as well as ethnic and disability groups. The Active People Survey 2005-6  shows that compared to White population group, Asian, Black and Chinese populations all have below London average participation in 3x30 minutes of sport and physical activity each week and have above average rates for doing no sport or physical activity a week. This trend is also replicated with regards to volunteering and coaching.

Sean Holt said

‘Sport England strongly supports the development of a London Sport and Physical Activity Plan for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities and we are fully committed to playing our role in ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities either as a participant, coach or volunteer.

‘The Active People survey showed that 18% of non-white Londoners aged 16 and above participate in 30 minutes of sport or active recreation at least three times a week compared to 22.5% of white Londoners. It is imperative that we create a plan which addresses these inequalities and encourages more people from these groups to regularly participate in sport and physical activity year on year.’ He added

Consultation events will be held in the New Year with sport and physical activity partners, end users and the voluntary and community sector to identify the key barriers that individuals from BAME communities face with regards to sport and physical activity and also to consider solutions to these issues in order to get more BAME individuals active.

If you would like to take part in these consultations, please contact Katie Mitchell, Development Manager on katie.mitchell@sportengland.org or 020 7273 1653.