Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

THE WIDER AGENDA53. Sport is a ‘good thing’ in its own right, providing enjoyment and exercise tomany people. Individuals and teams with talent are able to reach the nationaland international sporting stage, and the community takes pride in theirachievements. Equally important is the contribution that sport and physicalactivity make to the wider agenda facing <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, specifically:Health• the need to improve health;• the need to improve education standards;• the need to reduce crime;• the need for economic regeneration, to generate more jobs and encourageinward investment; and• the need to improve the environment.54. As the profile of <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent’s population ages, and if obesity levelscontinue to rise, it is likely that the City will face increasing health problemsunless action is taken to encourage people to lead more active and healthierlives. <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent has a poor health record with some of the headlinesbeing:• The area’s socio-demographic characteristics suggest that residents haveunhealthy lifestyles, and that almost 1 in 4 adults are obese;• Rates of recorded and self-reported ill health are higher than the regionaland England averages;• Female life expectancy has barely increased over the last decade and forboth sexes the gap with England has widened. Within the City there is adifference of 6 years in male life expectancy between the least deprivedfifth and most deprived fifth of neighbourhoods.55. The health of the community is significantly affected by their rates ofparticipation in sport and active recreation, and this has been demonstratedby a number of independent research projects. The information was drawntogether in the Government report “At Least 5 Times a Week”. The UK widehealth project “Be Active Be Healthy” is a direct response to the findings ofthis report.56. Of particular concern are those not taking any exercise at all during a week.There is no definitive research figure for this, but it is known that over 60% ofthe adult population of <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent do not take part in any sport or activerecreation (as defined by Sport England). Those least active of all are thosewith a limiting disability, or those who are over 55 years. Of these groups,more than 80% take “no exercise” during a week.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 25Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009 – 2016October 2009