Welsh adults 'least active' in Europe

Welsh people are among the least physically active in Europe, with only 28% of the adult population of Wales regularly taking part in sport or active recreation, according to Sports Minister Alan Pugh.

The minister said that as a result of the Welsh sedentary life-style means tens of thousands of people "needlessly suffer ill health and thousands more go on to an early grave".

This, said Mr Pugh, costs Wales £100 million a year in additional health and social care costs and the foundations of future international sporting success were being "built on a narrow base".

The minister will today launch a 20-year plan to bring Wales into line with countries such as Finland – where 70% of the population regularly take part in active recreation. In England the number of active adults is 32% and 57% of Australian adults engage in active recreation.

The plan entitled 'Climbing Higher' will be launched at the summit of Wales’ highest mountain Snowdon – Yr Wyddfa.

"Wales is not an active nation. Yet we have an environment and climate superbly suited to activities such as walking and cycling. Taking the dog for a brisk walk, cycling with the children or jumping in the local pool are fun activities that most people can take part in," said the Minister.

(GMcG)