This Is Guernsey

By Aaron Scoones

GUERNSEY children do more exercise than their English counterparts. Those were the findings of the 2007 Guernsey Young People’s Survey.

‘Everybody knows that Guernsey has a strong sporting culture and it’s great to see that this is being carried through to the island’s young people,’ said the island’s lifelong learning manager, Alun Williams.

‘The overall findings about the way that young people live their lives in Guernsey is very positive. In fact, we can describe our youngsters as top-class teenagers and no doubt their commitment to sport and physical activity contributes to that.’

And Angela Balding from the UK Schools’ Health Education Unit is also impressed with the findings.

She believes that the island’s community spirit nurtures sport.

‘I think you’re really fortunate that you have a captive population,’ she said. ‘There is a real sense of community on the island and you’re proud of your island and the results that are coming through reflect that.’

In the spring of this year, 2,000 children between the ages of 10 and 17 answered 100 questions on behaviour, views and attitudes to life in the island.

A staggering 82% of 14- to 15-year-old in Guernsey say that they exercise more than three times a week, with 60% of those saying that they are active more than five times a week.

On the other hand, the survey on their English Year 10 counterparts showed that only 68% exercise more than three times a week.

With regard to the island’s Year 8 boys, 90% of them are taking part in sport more than three times a week while in England the statistics suggest that 71% of the schoolboys at the same age are exercising as much.

It is a similar story with Guernsey’s girls. Year 10s who exercise more than three times a week stand at 75% while in England it is 45%.

The island’s Year 8 girls’ statistics is at 86% against 56% in England.

‘The island should recognise that these high activity levels haven’t occurred by accident,’ said Williams.

‘There has been a concerted community effort to generate a love of sport and everyone has played their part, including parents, sports clubs, schools and most importantly young people themselves,’ said Williams.

‘We should also acknowledge the value that sport plays in inspiring youngsters to be top-class teenagers. We often describe Foote’s Lane and the rugby, hockey, soccer and athletics that are played there in the evenings and weekends as one of the island’s best classrooms.’

Article posted on 30th October, 2007 - 12.00am