University students’ physical activity practices

Abstract

Over a decade ago, two University students, Ramon Chircop and Roberto Pisani, conducted a study entitled “University Students' Participation in Sport”, whereby the researchers looked into University students’ participation in sports activities held on campus. Their study concluded that there are various contributing factors that affect lack of participation. In this dissertation we have conducted a similar study. We aim to establish whether University students’ participation in on-campus sports activities has changed, and if so how and to what extent. Additionally, we have extended our research so as to include University students’ participation in sports and physical activities outside University premises. Our study will not focus exclusively on sport but will also include physical activity in general. Through our questionnaires we confirmed that most students are still not sufficiently active – the most common factors being lack of time and motivation. Even though most participants are aware of the benefits of being physically active, they state that these two factors prevent them from being active. Through our interviews with representatives from three University organizations, results showed that, while many different types of activities are indeed being organized, lack of student participation has proved to be limiting. These organizations feel that they are neither reaching their goals, nor being able to organize the desired amount of tournaments or activities.