This project aims to explore the physical activity experiences of students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and understand their perceptions of the barriers and enablers to participation.

Today, BUCS is releasing a research tender for race and equality in sport and physical activity. This project aims to explore the physical activity experiences of students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and understand their perceptions of the barriers and enablers to participation.

Pre-pandemic, the participation gap between White British and all other ethnic backgrounds was already widening. To enable BUCS to create a truly inclusive approach to developing physical activity programmes, it is important to establish if the pandemic has levelled the playing field, or if this gap has widened further.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Chair of British Universities and Colleges Sport and Principal & Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “Participation in sport presents a huge range of physical and mental health benefits, as well as limitless educational and learning opportunities. This research is fundamental in ensuring sport, and all of its many overarching benefits, is accessible for all, while identifying the key factors which are currently limiting inclusivity.

Participation variation in sport and physical activity across different ethnicities as a consequence of the pandemic is worrying and it is therefore absolutely essential that we examine, and fully understand, any barriers, so that rapid and responsive approaches to broaden inclusivity in every aspect of sport can be developed.”

 

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