Swiss children and adolescents have significantly stepped up their physical activities between 2014 and early 2020, according to a government study.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ds
The Swiss Sport 2020 study also found the gender gap has narrowed and that the urban-rural divide widened when it comes to people practicing sport.
The findings were presented to reporters on Monday at a press conference attended by Sports Minister Viola Amherd.
The study is based on data collected from 3,400 young people aged 10 to 19. Among its findings for this age group: young adolescents (age 10-14) are more active than older teens (age 15-19).
Sports clubs and school activities
The share of children and adolescents who do not participate in any sport decreased during the period under review to 12% among children and 18% among adolescents, compared to 14% and 20% respectively in 2014.
The report points to the importance of school sport activities, sport camps and sports club as a driver of regular exercise among school age children.
Two thirds of children between the ages of 10 and 14 do sport at least once a week. Most 15 to 19-year-olds (78%) also practice sports in informal settings.
The study notes socio-economic factors also influence participation in sports: the higher the education and the income of the parents, the higher the sports activity level of their children.
The Swiss government has taken a series of measures to promote the uptake of sports by children and adolescents – including financial support for voluntary school sport.
The Sport Switzerland 2020 study examined sports habits and interests across the Swiss population. It was conducted by the Swiss Sports Observatory on behalf of the Federal Office of Sports (FOSPO).
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burqa ban’ and pension hikes
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Swiss plan 1,600 extra trains for Eurovision, Women’s EURO 2025 and other events
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways is planning to operate 1,600 additional trains to transport passengers to special events in 2025, such as the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Swiss study: higher prices for cheese with protected geographical indication
This content was published on
Indications of geographical origin play a central role in the cheese trade, a study by the Agroscope research centre shows.
Swiss campaigners launch another ‘responsible business initiative’
This content was published on
A coalition has launched a new "responsible business initiative", urging the government to ensure that Swiss-based multinationals and their subsidiaries abroad respect human rights and protect the environment.
Swiss court suspends Geneva plan to ban single-use plastics
This content was published on
A Geneva court has suspended a ban on the sale of single-use plastics in the city, which was due to be introduced on January 1. This follows an appeal by Swiss retailers to the Federal Court.
Swiss cable car firms and hotels report positive winter so far
This content was published on
The Swiss cable car association and Switzerland Tourism have reported higher visitor numbers at winter resorts over the Christmas and New Year period compared to 2023/24.
UBS expects Swiss National Bank to record CHF80bn profit in 2024
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is expected to make a net profit of CHF80 billion ($88.4 billion) in 2024, according to UBS.
This content was published on
Consumer prices fell last year in Switzerland, new figures show. Higher rents and electricity prices were partially offset by lower prices for gas and prescription drugs.
This content was published on
New data from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) shows that flu cases doubled in Switzerland between mid and late December.
Swiss bank Julius Bär sells its Brazilian operation
This content was published on
Swiss private bank Julius Bär has signed an agreement to sell its operation in Brazil for 615 million reais, or CHF91 million ($100.7 million).
Historian claims Swiss banks may hold further Second World War secrets
This content was published on
Bank archives could still hold secrets about Swiss actions during the Second World War and should be re-examined, especially those of UBS, says Marc Perrenoud, a historian who worked on the Bergier Commission.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Sporting activity grows in popularity in Switzerland
This content was published on
Over three-quarters of Swiss people spend over 2.5 hours a week practising a sporting activity but there are growing regional differences.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.