Abstract
Objective: Objective PA-12 of Healthy People 2030 is focused on an increase in sport participation among youth. Organized leisure-time sport participation (OLSP) can be a valuable source of physical activity for children and adolescents. The ability of programs to provide important benefits to children may play a role in parent decisions to enroll their child in these programs. Methods: In the present study, we gathered demographics, sport participation, and parent-reported (N = 452) benefits of sport participation as part of a survey investigating OLSP behaviors. Results: We found no differences in sport participation by sex or race/ethnicity. However, children from lower income homes were less likely to participate in sport than those from higher income homes (p < .001). Health and exercise, socialization, teamwork, and leadership skill development were the most common benefits reported by parents. Other benefits included practice/skill building/self-esteem, fun, reduced screen time, exposure to a role model, stress relief, and recognition. Conclusions: These benefits should be emphasized in OLSP programs and used for marketing and promotion to increase participation in OLSP to achieve objective PA-12.
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Health Policy,Health (social science)