During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Swiss population did less sports. Instead, she often exercised outside. This is according to a study by the Federal Office for Sport (Baspo).
The decline in physical activity was most pronounced among younger men and women between the ages of 45 and 59, the Baspo announced in Magglingen BE on Thursday.
However, since the outbreak of the 2020 pandemic, the sports activity of the over-60s has increased. This applies to men and women, according to the study that the Swiss Sports Observatory has written on behalf of the Baspo.
There were major differences between parts of the country. The decline in physical activity was much more pronounced in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland than in German-speaking Switzerland.
More often outside
The pandemic also had an impact on the sports and the way they were played. The population exercised outside and at home more often than before the Covid 19 era. The use of digital tools increased.
Nordic walking and inline skating made a comeback. Snowshoeing, mountain biking, strength training, and yoga all increased.
Swimming, dancing and martial arts, among others, could not catch up until July 2022. The fitness centers lost less than expected. The Sports Observatory surveyed 2,130 people in July.
Help packages for associations
For a second investigation, the Baspo had the directors of major sports organizations question the federal aid packages. All 24 organizations involved concluded that the aid contributed to financial stability. As a result, they did not lay off any staff.
According to Baspo director Matthias Remund, an emerging focus in sports finance will be the entrenchment of fundamental ethical values, primarily to protect young athletes. A first step was taken with an independent reporting agency, Remund said of “Magglingertag”.
Further spearheads are the further development of Jugend+Sport, the promotion of women in management positions, the further expansion of the promotion of top sport by the army and the message for sustainable, environmentally friendly sporting events. (SDA)