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CALL: Colin Jackson

A STUDY of 3,000 children found that nearly half of them don’t feel they get enough opportunities to play sport, and a fifth said that they found their PE lessons boring.

The research by Mission, revealed that half of British parents believe the emphasis on pushing children to traditional sports can negatively impact their chances of developing confidence and ability through physical activity.

This is backed up with the finding that a third of those asked haven’t found a sport they like, as they feel they don’t get the chance to try something new. While a little less than half feel like they are pressured into playing mainstream sports.

Speaking on behalf of Mission, Olympic medallist Colin Jackson said: “Open kids’ eyes to what sport really is. It’s activity; that means it can be anything just as long as you’re active. Get kids to try everything. The biggest challenge in schools is that there’s not enough time dedicated to sport.”

Archery, trampolining and dodgeball topped the list of activities that children would like to try.
There has been much made about the low numbers of girls participating in sport and 60 per cent of parents feel this could be rectified with the introduction of activities such as Zumba and streetdance.

The Mission (KIDS) Report is part of a nationwide initiative to get families wrapped up in sport this summer.
Visit movewithmission.co.uk before the end of July to find out how kids and parents can try new sports like cheerleading, martial arts, badminton, trampolining, fencing and family swimming for free nationwide.

Visit: www.movewithmission.co.uk before the end of July to find out how kids and parents can try new sports like cheerleading, martial arts, badminton, trampolining, fencing and family swimming for free nationwide.