For too many of us, participation in sport means watching our heroes break sprint records or score amazing goals on the telly. Since the mid-1990s, active engagement in sport has declined, particularly among children and young adults.
The development of multi-channel TV and the internet has undoubtedly contributed to that decline, providing ever-more distraction for young and old alike. Sport, like music and other performing arts, is increasingly something we watch or listen to but don’t do.
The inaugural UK School Games in Glasgow (page 8) will provide opportunities for young athletes.JWith luck, these will bring success at the London Olympics in 2012 and create heroes for children to emulate. But will they feel inspired enough to get out on to the games field, or will they simply spend more time on the sofa?
