Scottish Government Equality Outcomes: Religion and Belief Evidence Review

12 SPORT

12.1 In an undated research summary of sports equality research conducted over 15 years^[54], the EHRC reports findings from the Taking Part survey, which show that the lowest rate of sports participation is for Muslims (61%), and the highest is for Sikhs (78%) and those with no religion (77%).

12.2 In the Scottish Health Survey 2012^[55], respondents who said they belonged to no religion were most likely to meet the physical activity recommendations. 40% did so, which was significantly higher than the national average of 38%. Muslims (29%) and members of the Church of Scotland (37%) had significantly lower proportions meeting the recommendations than the average. In terms of sport participation, Muslims were also the least likely to participate in sport (39% did so in the previous four weeks). Roman Catholics also had significantly lower sport participation than the average (46% compared to 49%). Respondents from Other Christian groups had significantly higher sport participation than average (52%).

12.3 A literature review for Sporting Equals (2009)^[56] describes the difficulties of addressing sectarianism in sport in Northern Ireland, particularly where an ethos of inclusivity in sport jars against a wider, even institutionalised, sectarian philosophy.