While most Europeans believe that exercise is good for health, only 40% of them (and only every fourth Pole) practices sport at least once a week – according to the published Eurobarometer survey.
When asked what makes regular physical activity the most difficult, most respondents in Poland answer that lack of time (46%), disease or disability (15%), and lack of adequate infrastructure (8%).
Compared to other countries, Poles more often complain about the lack of opportunities to play sports in the immediate vicinity, which is the fault of local authorities (52%). Only 35 percent are of a similar opinion. EU citizens.
Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are among the countries whose citizens take sport very seriously.
23 percent Irish people engage in sports regularly, i.e. at least five times a week – this is the highest number in the EU. The worst situation is in Bulgaria, Italy and Greece, where only 3 percent. of citizens declare practicing sport on a regular basis.
UEFA president Michel Platini, present at the Monday conference in Brussels, was not surprised by the low activity of the Europeans from the south. In Italy, more is said about sport than it is practiced, said Platini.
In Poland – according to a Eurobarometer survey – 6% of people regularly engage in sport. citizens, 19 percent quite regularly (i.e. at least once a week), 24% rarely, and 49 percent. never.
A healthy mind is in a healthy body – reminded the EU Commissioner for Education and Culture, Andrulla Wasiliu, who is also responsible for sport. In her opinion, the report’s data is disturbing, which indicates that 60 percent. citizens do not play sports or do it rarely.
We must do more to stimulate the inactive. Faced with the problem of an aging society, it is important that we help citizens stay healthy longer, said Wasiliu.
The Eurobarometer surveyed 26788 EU citizens, including 37 Poles. The survey revealed that men are more active than women (43%) (XNUMX% on an EU scale), and that physical activity across the EU declines with age.
39 percent Poles and 42 percent. EU citizens explicitly admit that they are not really interested in physical activity. Europeans are most willing to train outdoors – 48% admit it. respondents (in Poland – 43 percent). 31 percent of EU citizens (and 37% of Poles) declare that they engage in physical activity on the way between home and school / work / shops.
The European Commission wants to change the approach of Europeans to the issue of sport. By the end of the year, we will propose an initiative that will convince Europeans to include physical activity in their everyday lives, said Wasiliu. The project at EU level will support the policies of the Member States in the field of sport. Michel Platini declared his full support for the planned project.
The Treaty of Lisbon gives the EU limited powers to support and stimulate the development of sport in EU countries. It does not aim to harmonize the policies of the Member States and recognizes the independence of sport governing bodies.
Karolina Przewrocka (PAP)