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For community cohesion and social inclusion
Published:  11 Dec 2020

Mapping study on the intergenerational dimension of sport

The study focuses on the participation in sporting activities for both old and young people

The study focuses on the participation in sporting activities for both old and young people. How volunteering, coaching or spectating in sport might contribute to promote the role of families by encouraging intergenerational transfer.

Intergenerational sport is a vital instrument to foster not only active ageing but also social inclusion and community cohesion.  It combines two different key dimensions:

  1. Health enhancing physical activity
  2. Intergenerational learning

 The key objectives of this mapping study are

  • collect knowledge on the intergenerational dimension of sport 
  • identify good practice initiatives in this area
  • develop knowledge on the main benefits, barriers and facilitators to the intergenerational dimension of sport

The study outlines the benefits of intergenerational sport related activities and specific participation facilitators to consider when designing and implementing intergenerational sport projects and programmes. The mapping review identifies 92 projects and programmes promoting the intergenerational dimension of sport in EU Member States. The report also highlights a number of key lessons that are relevant to the funding, design and implementation of projects and programmes promoting the intergenerational dimension of sport.

 *The Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) of the European Commission commissioned Ecorys in June 2020 to undertake this mapping study.

Background

According to the 2018 Eurobarometer results on sport and physical activity, nearly half of Europeans never play sport and the frequency of exercise tends to decrease with age. Participation in physical activities highly depends on the age range of population

  • 62% of young people (aged 15-24)
  • 46% of people aged 25-39
  • 39% of people aged 40-54
  • 30% of people aged 55+
Published:  11 Dec 2020