Leisure Sport Participation in Cyprus

Abstract

This study contributes to the limited existing research on the participation patterns of Cypriots in leisure and sports. Leisure and sport are viewed collectively while adapting the notion put forth by The Council of Europe (2007) defining leisure sports as sports activities aimed at the preservation and improvement of physical condition, health and fun. The purpose of this paper is to examine the leisure sport participation patterns of Cypriots, specifically: (1) participation patterns in leisure sports, (2) reasons for participating in leisure sports, (3) cost and participation in leisure sport, (4) leisure sport spectatorship, and (5) vacationing and leisure sport experiences. Data was commissioned and collected by the Centre for Leisure, Tourism and Sports (University of Nicosia) for the Cyprus Sport Organisation. A telephone-survey of 1000 Cypriots, men and women, aged 15+, from coast-to-coast in Cyprus using stratified random sampling was employed. The sample was weighted by gender, age, district and region of residence. The results indicate that: (1) almost half of the Cypriot population participates in leisure sports, (2) participation in leisure sports decreases with age, (3) participation in leisure sports tends to be driven by health benefits, (4) most Cypriots participate in leisure sport at no cost, (5) television is the most common means reported for spectatorship, and (6) some Cypriots plan their vacations around leisure sport experiences. The results indicate the relevant importance of the leisure sport culture in Cyprus while also reflecting on age and cost related factors that may influence participation in leisure sports.

The State of Condition of Sport in Cyprus: a Study of the Cyprus Sport Organization and Sports Federations of Cyprus

“…However, it should be made clear that, once the time comes that enough funds are present in the economy, Cyprus' investments and precedence for its leisure and sport organizations and federations will go a long way in promoting the active lifestyle, health, and wellbeing of Cypriots. Such investments would also continue to recognize the important role of leisure and sport culture that is present within Cypriot society (Kartakoulllis et al, 2015).…”

“…Little has been published on the current state of conditions regarding leisure sport behaviour and leisure sport provision in Cyprus. Regarding this lack of research on the former, a recent study by Kartakoulllis et al (2015) conducted a comprehensive overview of leisure sport participation patterns of Cypriots through data collected by phone surveys with 1000 Cypriot men and women. The results indicate that: (1) almost half of the Cypriot population (44.5%) participates in leisure sports, (2) more men (42.1%) than women (37.6%) reported being involved in leisure sports (3) participation in leisure sports and exercise decreases with age, (3) participation in leisure sports tends to be driven by health benefits (as opposed to other factors such as appearance, being social, self-esteem, and learning new skills), (4) most Cypriots participate in leisure sport at no cost, and (5) some Cypriots plan their vacations around leisure sport experiences (i.e., sport tourism).…”

“…Overall, in Cyprus different kinds of leisure sports programs operate on an organized or non-organized basis. Leisure sports activities and programs, specifically, are provided to (1) the general population (all citizens regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, mental and bodily ability, educational professional, social and financial background), (2) in pre-school, school and university environment, (3) in the natural environment (e.g., parks, walkways, bikeways), (4) urban or rural environments, (5) in children's camps, (6) in theme parks, (7) in the summer or winter, (8) to tourists (sports tourism), (9) as partial activities of big cultural or charity events (e.g., radio-marathon, Make-a-Wish), (10) for people with disabilities, (11) in prisons, (12) in the national guard and the country's security bodies, and (13) in rehabilitation centers. Leisure sports programs in voluntary clubs, children's playgrounds, and hotels are not developed by the state or community providers, but do demonstrate significant participation numbers from the general Cypriot population.…”

“…The three service sectors (public, private, and non-profit) in Cyprus have historically been actively involved in the provision of sport and leisure services (Kartakoulllis, Webb, Karlis, Pouloukas, & Loizou, 2015). The Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) is the major provider and authority for sports and physical activity in Cyprus.…”

“…For instance Kartakoullis, Pouloukas, Loizou, Karlis, and Kriemadis (2010) report on the growing need for sport tourism for Cyprus and its people while Kartakoullis, Karlis, and Karadakis (2009) found that there is increased participation in national endeavors (i.e., Sport for All) occurring within the state. Even more recently, a study involving comprehensive data collection, through phone surveys, on the participation behaviours of Cypriot adults has been published (Kartakoulllis, et al, 2015). However, there is minimal published research informing on the national programs and organizations (i.e., the CSO and its various sport federations) that provide Cyprus and its citizens with leisure sport programs.…”