Sports for All Philosophy: The evolution in Cyprus and the Transfer from a Sport to a Health Orientation

Nicos Kartakoullis , George Karlis, Maria Karadakis

Year: 2009 Volume: 3 Issue: d

Pages: 49-66

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the evolutionary trend of Sports for All participation and programs in Cyprus up to the year 2006. Specifically, Sport for All in Cyprus is examined under the following categories: 1) overall participation, and 2) participation and programs for children, women, men, and persons with disabilities. The methodology used is based on secondary data on the evolution of Sport for All up to the year 2006 provided by the Director of the Centre for Leisure, Tourism, Sports Research and Development of Cyprus, University of Nicosia. The results have been presented in the form of number counts based on participation levels for the following categories: 1) overall participation and 2) participation and programs for children, women, men, and persons with disabilities. The results illustrate an increase in Sports for All participation and programs in Cyprus up to 1997 and a decline from late 1997 to 1999. After 1999, the results show that the figures in terms of participation remained the same, showing that the program reached a plateau. In view of this fact, the figures are not provided for 2000-2006 in the tables that follow, as there are no major changes to be discussed.