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≡ Spotlight ≡
In California, only one-third of children ages 6 to 17 engage in the daily fitness activities recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a first-of-its-kind study.
The LA84 Foundation’s mission, which will receive $93 million from the 1984 Olympic Games surplus, was originally “to put bats and balls in the hands of boys and girls,” but now it has a broader mission of “fairness of play.” There is a growing emphasis on approach.
The organization commissioned a study in California to examine the actual sports and fitness activities that most children between the ages of 6 and 17 are exposed to by the time they graduate from high school. The 2024 California Play Equity Report showed poor results.
“Only one-third (34%) of children engage in active play, exercise, or physical activity five or more times a week. Therefore, the majority of California youth, nearly two-thirds (66%) do not meet the CDC’s recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.
There were significant differences in activity time between boys and girls.
boy:
● 38% play more than 4 days a week
● 32% play 3-4 days a week
● 29% play less than 3 times a week
girl:
● 30% play more than 4 times a week
● 27% play 3-4 times a week
● 41% play less than 3 times a week
Differences were also found by ethnic group.
Play 4 or more times a week:
●White 48%
● 40% Asian American/Pacific Islander
● 29% Black/African American
● 24% of Latinos
I play 3-4 times a week.
● 33% Black/African American
● 33% of Latinos
● 26% of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
●White people 25%
Play less than 3 times a week:
● 40% of Latinos
● 38% Black/African American
● 35% of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
●White 26%
There were also significant differences by region within the state.
Frequency of play (4 or more times per week ~ 3-4 times per week ~ less than 3 times per week):
● 46% – 24% – 29% in the northern region
● 37% – 27% – 35% in the Central Valley
● Central Coast 35% – 28% – 36%
● 35% – 28% – 35% in Los Angeles area
● San Francisco Bay Area: 34% – 31% – 33%
● 33% – 29% – 35% in the Sacramento area
● Southern California 33% – 33% – 32%
● San Bernardino-Riverside County: 28% – 30% – 41%
Why is this? One of the frequently cited reasons is the lack of physical education classes in today’s schools. However, the survey points out that although 76% of children participate in physical education classes, classes are not held every day. Sometimes only once or twice a week.
However, “structured play” was recognized as one of the best ways to be exposed to more sports. Outside of school play, there are issues of access based on income. The survey found the following:
Participating in structured play outside of school:
● 38% for households with incomes below $30,000;
● 39% if your income is between $30 and $50,000.
● 46% if your income is between $50 and $75,000.
● 65% earn between $75 and $100,000.
● 62% for those with incomes over $100,000.
Compounding the problem is the fact that children are turning away from sports. The study found that 30% of California children (ages 6 to 17) have stopped playing sports in the past two years. The main reasons given by parents in the survey were:
● 54% say they have time commitments
● 53% said they lost interest.
● 43% say they don’t have fun anymore
● 32% said their friend quit.
● 31% said it was too competitive
Additionally, 63% of parents say the cost of supporting their child’s sports is an issue, along with transportation (36%), lack of after-school care availability (37%), and lack of local opportunities (38%). I answered yes. %).
As for the solution, the study says:
“Parents are almost unanimous (95%) that they believe it is important for California to fully fund youth sports, physical education, and organized play; (86%) support further funding in Congress to ensure fairness of play at the state and local level. ”
Currently we are working in the field of politics. The LA84 Foundation is leading the charge in this area, but it is competing with dozens of other priorities from lawmakers and school districts.
The survey itself surveyed 1,636 California households selected by geographic area with school-age children (6-17 years old), was conducted May 1-14, 2024, and included over 2,686 people. Representing children.
While this report may be taken as a basic report on the current state of physical activity in California and a vehicle for raising awareness of the issue, the politics surrounding money, schools, and needs It’s not for showing off your heart. But it is a step forward, in the context of a foundation built on another of LA84’s legacies: the Olympic Games, one of the most emotional sporting events.
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