Best Practice Review of Sport and Physical Activity Interventions for Young People Aged 13-18 Years: Report to Sport and Recreation New Zealand. Volume 1

Sport and physical activity are concepts which underpin the work of a host of organisations in New Zealand. Youth, in particular, are the focus of many such efforts, and organisations in the health, education, and sport and recreation sectors are focused on the delivery of high quality services. Regular participation in sport and physical activity is now known to confer several health and social benefits to our youth. Such benefits include reduction in risk factor presentation for cardiovascular and several other noncommunicable diseases, reduced risk of obesity, higher self esteem and self-confidence, healthier bone development, and future physical activity status. Additionally, sport, and to a certain extent other forms of active lifestyles, are an important part of the fabric of New Zealand society. Access to, and participation in sport and other active pursuits must been seen as a priority for New Zealand youth both in terms of immediate and future health and well-being, and in relation to New Zealand's success on the international sporting stage. Understanding physical activity levels and sport participation rates of New Zealand youth is paramount to setting the future direction of the sport and physical activity sectors.