EPAS Study - Implications
EPAS is particularly concerned with a number of findings from the research. In particular it is important that steps are taken to ensure the resumption of physical activity amongst the wider community. Research has already shown a worrying decrease in physical activity in the general population before the Covid-19 pandemic (Eurobarometer), the restrictions put in place during Covid-19 only furthered this trend. To this end, EPAS feels it is important to advocate sport and movement as a basic necessity and to demonstrate how sport makes societies and people more resilient not only to pandemics but wider issues. However, it should be noted that the consequences of the pandemic demonstrate that it is important to not focus on commercial activities but rather to promote integrity, solidarity, grassroots sport, and volunteering as key measures to aid recovery and help the overall situation.
The Covid-19 pandemic also presented a number of challenges which must be addressed by the global sport movement. Of particular concern is the lack of appropriate facilities for sport for all and the particular negative impacts on youth physical activity and physical education/school sport. Whilst it has been noted in other research, the impact of the restrictions on competitive sport (cancellation of events and loss of incomes), which exacerbates rivalries and lobbying, this should not be the only focus of the remedies, that grassroots sports should not be forgotten.
