Structural Inequities Still Define Physical Activity Landscape for Ethnically Diverse Communities
New data from Sport England’s 2023 to 24 Active Lives Adult Survey reveal deep and persistent disparities in activity levels among ethnically diverse groups, underscoring the urgent need for system level change
Activity gaps persist across ethnicity, gender, age, disability and faith especially where these identities intersect
The findings from Sport England’s most recent Active Lives Adult Survey show that structural inequities, not individual choice or motivation, remain the core barrier to physical activity for many ethnically diverse adults. Despite public campaigns and local initiatives, the stark gap in activity levels between ethnic groups remains largely unchanged.
Key Findings
- Ethnic activity gaps remain entrenched Just 55 percent of Asian (excluding Chinese), 58 percent of Chinese and 56 percent of Black adults meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity compared to 65 percent of White British adults
- Strength training disparities are significant Nationally, only 44 % of adults meet the muscle strengthening activity guideline two or more days per week. This drops to 37 % among Asian (excluding Chinese), 41% for Black and Chinese adults and 40% for Other ethnicities. In contrast, Mixed ethnicity adults lead with 51 % while White British adults match the average at 44.5 %
- Volunteering gaps mirror participation gaps Ethnically diverse people are consistently underrepresented in regular sport volunteering and leadership roles, reinforcing broader patterns of exclusion within the sport and physical activity sector
- Optimism does not equal opportunity Black, Asian (excluding Chinese) and Other ethnic groups express high belief in their opportunity to be active but experience the lowest conversion from optimism to actual participation highlighting that barriers are structural not motivational
- Intersectionality intensifies exclusion Adults facing two or more inequality characteristics such as ethnicity, age, disability or socioeconomic status are significantly less active 44 % compared to those with none 75 %. This impact is especially pronounced for older ethnically diverse adults, disabled individuals and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
Chair of Sporting Equals, Dr Howard Haughton, said:
“The message from this data is loud and clear. Physical inactivity among ethnically diverse groups is not a reflection of apathy but of exclusion. Equity in sport will never be achieved by treating all communities the same. We must centre on those most affected by systemic barriers and act on their terms. Sporting Equals remains committed to championing evidence led, community powered change so that every person regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, disability or faith can enjoy the life changing benefits of physical activity”
From Equality to Equity A Sector Wide Call to Action
The path to equitable access in physical activity demands more than uniform offerings. It requires intentional investment, culturally relevant programming and data transparency
Sporting Equals urges
- Funders and policymakers to prioritise investment in areas of deepest exclusion especially targeting ethnic minority women, older adults and those facing multiple disadvantages
- Sport and leisure providers to co create culturally grounded, community rooted programmes ensuring that decision making power lies with the communities being served
- The broader sector to measure progress through an equity lens, rewarding initiatives that close participation gaps not only those that increase aggregate figures
- Data collectors to disaggregate ethnicity data tracking outcomes for specific subgroups such as Indian, Bangladeshi and Black African to ensure that progress for one group does not mask stagnation in another
