Factors that determine the level of participation in sport and exercise – an analyze of public policy for sport and exercise in European countries

Nils Asle Bergsgard^*

• University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Kongsberg, Norway

Introduction: The burgeoning issue of physical inactivity on a global scale, prominently underscored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), poses significant health challenges. This necessitates a concerted effort to elevate levels of physical activity. This paper delves into the public policies concerning sport and exercise within EU countries to identify pivotal factors that encourage sports and exercise participation. Methods: Employing data from Eurostat, Eurobarometer, and Eurofound, this study investigates the patterns of sports participation across Europe. The analysis encompasses descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multivariate regression models, with a focus on variables such as economic prosperity, educational attainment, and governance quality. Results: The findings reveal a weak correlation between public expenditure on sports and participation rates. Interestingly, Eastern and Southern European countries allocate a proportionally higher share of their budgets to sports yet report lower participation rates. Moreover, the quality of governance and overall economic conditions emerge as important factors, displaying a robust association with participation rates and eclipsing the potential impact of direct government spending. Discussion: The study highlights the limited direct impact of public sports policies, emphasizing the pivotal role of contextual factors in shaping participation rates. Socioeconomic elements such as wealth, education, and governance emerge as critical drivers. Cultural dynamics, often underestimated, prove to be a vital factor in fostering engagement. Furthermore, effective governance and comprehensive welfare systems appear to indirectly bolster participation, creating an environment conducive to more active lifestyles. Conclusion: To enhance exercise and sports participation across Europe, it is essential to adopt integrated policies that go beyond sport-specific initiatives, addressing the broader cultural, economic, and infrastructural dimensions.