Participation in physical activity creates a wide range of benefits for individuals and the communities they live in. When people are physically active they are healthier, happier and more socially inclusive.
By providing opportunities for social interaction, sport and recreation can help enhance community identity and promote community integration. Individuals learn and share community values and attitudes and can gain a better understanding of other groups in society. Participation can also have a deterrent effect on anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and petty crime.
Economic benefits are gained from direct and indirect employment in sport and recreation as well as from sales of sport and recreation goods and services.
There is an increasing demand for recreational pursuits in parks, open spaces and natural environments in both urban and non-urban areas. More effective management practices will enable resources and facilities to be better utilised in a manner that is sustainable and equitable, improving the quality of life of individuals and the community in which they live.
