More ethnic minority children in Wales taking part in sport

CHILDREN from minority groups are taking part in sports more than ever before, a new Sport Wales survey suggests. More pupils from Arab, Asian and British Asian families are participating in sport three times a week compared to results three years ago.

During a survey completed by more than 120,000 children aged seven to 16, Sport Wales found that 7% more pupils from Arab or other ethnic groups are getting involved compared to results carried out in 2015.

The number of Asian and British Asian pupils taking part in sports three times a week has also risen from 36% to 40%.

Meanwhile, 45% of pupils with a disability or impairment said they take part in sport three times a week compared to 40% back in 2015.

Owen Hathway, head of insight and policy at the national sports organisation, welcomed the news but said more work was needed to encourage sports within some groups.

This year the number of black or British black pupils participating in sport has dropped from 52% to 51% compared to 49% of those from white families.

The number of children from the most deprived areas getting involved has also fallen from 43% to 42% – compared to 55% of those in the least deprived areas.

Mr Hathway said: “It’s really encouraging to see the rise in numbers of children from underrepresented groups taking part in sport.

“We know that a lot of work has been carried out across the sector with partners such as Disability Sport Wales and BME Sport Cymru to further engage these specific groups of young people who want the opportunity to get involved in sport.

“There is, however, still a lot of work to be done. There are still groups where the gap is not closing.