(Published - 24 July 2019)
A cutting edge long-term study has found that sports participation has the ability to improve socio-economic conditions in the Western Cape and currently makes a significant contribution to the province’s economy.
The study, named the Case for Sport, was undertaken by the University of the Westen Cape’s (UWC) Interdisciplinary Centre for Sport Science and Development (ICESSD), together with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
The study found that sport has contributed R8,8-billion to the Western Cape gross domestic product since 2012, and that the sport sector supports 60,000 jobs in the province. The study has set a new trend toward a deeper understanding of the role of sport in our nation and economy.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marias, said the study would inform future policy decisions and that she hoped it could also impact provincial budget allocations.
“There is no doubt in my mind that those seasoned in the DCAS portfolio can agree that there exists a disconnect between the positive impact of sport and the budget often allocated to its programmes. This comprehensive research now physically motivates for increased support, not only for sport and recreation, but cultural affairs as well,” said Minister Marais.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: 25 July 2019Time: 5:30pm
Venue: UWC Library Auditorium