Commenting on figures from Sport Wales, showing a rise of nearly 50% in the number of children taking part in regular sport and exercise from 2011 to 2013, Mohammad Asghar AM, Shadow Minister for Sport, said:
“Despite the Welsh Labour Government’s failure to capitalise on the Olympics legacy, these figures are evidence of parents, teachers and children themselves fulfilling the health and social benefits of sport.
“Wales is one of the least healthy parts of the UK, but if we can sustain growth in physical exercise not only for children, but people of all ages, we can tackle some of the main causes of chronic ill-health.
“Sport in schools is not just about physical exercise but is important for developing team work skills, learning to socialise and accepting that competitions have winners and losers, but that it is taking part that really counts.
“The Welsh Labour Government and councils must play their part in sustaining this bounce in sport by expanding the opportunities for exercise by keeping leisure centres and outdoor spaces open and supporting schools in running after-school clubs.”
