Election candidates urged to address island's low exercise rates

Wednesday 01 June 2022

With only one in five children meeting recommended exercise targets and around half of adults, political hopefuls are being urged to make sport a priority if elected.

Jersey Sport have launched their ‘Delivering an Active Jersey’ strategy, which outlines the seven key priorities in sport and physical activity that they want the next Government to take forward.

Currently, only 52% of adults and 18% of children and young people meet the World Health Organisation’s weekly physical activity recommendations. 

These already poor levels of inactivity are magnified further in low socio-economic groups, females, those with a disability or life-limiting condition, and in the Portuguese/Madeiran and other European communities.

While benefiting all islanders, Jersey Sport's seven priorities aim to address the inequality gaps that exist and seek to reduce barriers that make it hard for people to play sport and be active.

Pictured: The seven key priorities in sport and physical activity that Jersey Sport are advocating for.

Jersey Sport’s vision going forward is that Jersey will be a healthier, more productive, and fairer society by being one of the most physically active populations in the world.

It is also hoped that Jersey will increase physical activity by 10%, by 2030.

The ‘Delivering an Active Jersey’ strategy highlights that the benefits of physical activity are plentiful at both the societal and individual levels. Investing and prioritising the delivery of an active island is a strong enabler, supporting Government of Jersey in delivering the Common Strategic Policy.

Having endured two sustained periods of lockdown where time out of the house for physical activity was one of the only perceived freedoms, islanders have a fresh ‘lived’ experience and respect for the benefits of being active and playing sport.

Phil Austin MBE, Chairman of Jersey Sport said: “It is time for the Government of Jersey to prioritise health improvement and adopt a preventative approach to support the island's growing and ageing population. 

“Of equal importance is a commitment to addressing the inequality that exists in our island surrounding access to sport and physical activity which is vital for a socially cohesive and equitable island, where islanders are valued equally.”

Pictured: The strategy outlines plans to make participation in sport accessible to all islanders.

Jersey Sport has this week held two seminars for declared election candidates at the Pomme d’Or Hotel - one took place on Monday, and another took place this morning.

The aims of these seminars were to explain more about the Key Priorities for sport and physical activity in Jersey over the next Government term and to answer any questions about sport, physical activity and wellbeing in the island. 

You can find out more about Jersey Sport’s seven key priorities for the next Government term and read the manifesto for sport and physical activity in Jersey online HERE. 

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