Personal Participation in Sport & Tourism (DP IB Geography)

Factors Affecting Personal Participation in Sport and Tourism

Affluence

• People’s wealth impacts their participation in sports and leisure activities

• In HICs like the UK:

  • Affluent UK individuals like those at London's Hurlingham Club enjoy elite sports facilities

  • Golf's popularity among the wealthy is evident at exclusive clubs like Wentworth, known for substantial fees

  • Wealthy Britons often visit luxury resorts such as Gleneagles and attend prestigious events like Wimbledon

  • Demand for top-quality sports gear is seen in the popularity of premium brands like Burberry Sport and Stella McCartney's Adidas line

  • Elite memberships, such as Soho House (a chain of membership-only clubs),  reflect a desire for exclusive social and leisure environments in the UK

  • Ownership of luxury assets like yachts is common among the UK's wealthy population, as seen in marinas like those in the Solent

Gender

• Around the world, the participation of women in sports and leisure activities is lower than that of men

• Women often spend more time on childcare and household tasks, restricting the time available for sports and leisure activities

• There may also be cultural factors which have led to lower participation by women

  • Women in Saudi Arabia have previously experienced challenges to sports and leisure facilities

  • Vision 2030 aims to boost women's participation in sports and leisure activities

  • Women from Saudi Arabia participated in the Olympic Games for the first time in 2012

  • Dedicated women's sports clubs have been established

  • The Women's Football League, launched in 2020, provides national-level opportunities for women in football

  • Women have received licences to participate in motorsports events

  • Financial support and sponsorship for female athletes demonstrate the government's commitment to women's sports

  • Sports for All launched a campaign to encourage more Saudi women to participate in sports

Stages in lifecycle

• Children and young people participate in sports more than those who are working full-time

• There has been an increase in leisure activities and sports for retired people over the age of 65 in wealthier countries

Personality

• Whether you are an introvert or extrovert may affect your participation in sports and leisure activities

• Introverts may want to do quiet activities such as running, whereas extroverts may be thrill seekers 

Place of residence

• Physical factors may affect participation in sport

  • Reliable snow is needed for skiing

  • Plunging breakers are needed for surfing

  • Healthy rivers and lakes for fishing