A massive nine out of ten Australians aged 35 and over say sport is a major part of Australia’s national identity, according to a survey released by the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, which has presented a wide range of interesting findings.
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 9 October 2008
Older Aussies still sports crazy – survey
9 out of 10 say sport part of Australian identity 2 out of 3 want to volunteer at international sports event Top sports swimming, golf and cycling
The verdict is in – Aussies love their sport. A massive nine out of ten Australians aged 35 and over say sport is a major part of Australia’s national identity, according to a survey released today by the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. A further 85 per cent agreed that hosting a major international sporting event is good for Australia and its international image, according to the survey of 1,000 Australians aged 35 and over.
Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Chair Margy Osmond said the Organising Committee was “blown away” by the results: “We are gearing up for the launch of the Sydney 2009 Games next week, and we were thrilled to find the vast majority of respondents were supportive of hosting a big event. And they don’t come much bigger than the World Masters Games – it’s the world’s largest multi-sport event, attracting three times the competitors of the Olympics.
“This really is good news for Sydney, New South Wales and Australia. It’s time for, ahem, older Aussies to get out there and show the youngsters how it’s done. People can compete at elite level or register for social competition – either way it will be ‘game on’ come October next year.” Respondents were very positive when asked about whether Australians who excel in sporting internationally were strong role models for young Australians, with more than 75 per cent in agreement. “And speaking of role models, we have uncovered a wealth of potential volunteers out there. Some 66 per cent of respondents expressed interest in volunteering at a major international multi-sport event. We’re looking for around 6,000 willing hands to make light work of Games logistics, so we’re delighted with these results,” Mrs Osmond said.
The survey also asked respondents if they were currently participating in each of the 28 sports planned for the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. The top sports were: 1. Swimming 2. Golf 3. Cycling 4. Tennis 5. Lawn bowls “And in case there were some latent athletes with dreams of glory, we also asked people which of our sports they’d previously participated in. Swimming, tennis, golf, cycling and squash rounded out the top five with athletics, basketball and soccer also polling strongly,” Mrs Osmond said. “It seems there’s plenty of sporting skill out there and we’d encourage people to shake out those Speedos, dust off those sneakers or get the old team together – it’s never too late to compete at an international sporting event!”
The survey also asked people to describe their attitude to sport:
Sports mad, I play whenever I can 5% Healthy respect, I play occasionally 15% Good intentions, don’t play as much as I would like 22% Armchair athlete, I’m a big fan but don’t play any more 24% Occasional fan, I watch sport every now and then 26% Leaves me cold, I don’t play or watch sport 8% “So we’ve got a solid 42 per cent of Aussies aged 35 and over who can and should be thinking about the Sydney 2009 Games, plus a strong potential support base,” Mrs Osmond said.
“We’re calling on those Aussies who clearly love their sport to get out there and give it a go – just visit www.2009worldmasters.com to register for competition or as a volunteer.”
Summary results
The independent online survey of 1,000 Australians aged 35 and over was conducted 19-24 September 2008. State-by-state breakdowns available on request. Would you say that sport is a major part of Australia’s national identity? Strongly agree 52% Agree 40% Neither agree or disagree 7% Disagree 1% Strongly disagree 1% Would you say that hosting a major international sports event is good for Australia and its international image? Strongly agree 40% Agree 44% Neither agree or disagree 13% Disagree 2% Strongly disagree 2% Would you say that Australians who excel in sport internationally are strong role models for young Australians? Strongly agree 32% Agree 44% Neither agree or disagree 17% Disagree 5% Strongly disagree 3% The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games boasted a successful volunteer program with thousands of Australians pitching in to help the athletes, officials, tourists and spectators. How interested would you be in volunteering at a major international multi-sport event? Very interested 25% Interested 41% Somewhat disinterested 12% Very disinterested 13% Don’t know 9% In which of the following sports (28 listed) do you participate currently? Swimming 17% Golf 11% Cycling 10% Tennis 8% Lawn bowls 5% In which of the following sports (28 listed) have you participated previously? Swimming 34% Tennis 30% Golf 22% Cycling 21% Squash 20%
Media contact
Mark Worwood | Media Manager | Sydney 2009 World Masters Games T +61 2 8116 2018 | M +61 408 894 935 | E mark.worwood@2009worldmasters.com
The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games acknowledge the support of their partners and sponsors: Australian Government | New South Wales Government | ClubsNSW | Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care | City of Sydney
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