U.K. Councils Report Rise In Obscure Olympic Sports Participation

Councils are reporting "a big rise" in people taking part in obscure London 2012 Olympic sports like beach volleyball, handball and BMX racing, according to Christopher Hope of the London TELEGRAPH. The Local Government Association discovered that three-quarters of councils had seen "an increase in people accessing their sports facilities or activities." One third of councils were also reporting "a rise in people with a disability getting involved in Paralympic sports." The organization suggests that the government's hopes that the Olympics would encourage large numbers of people into sport "are being realised." The LGA found athletics, cycling/BMX, beach volleyball, swimming and gymnastics "recorded the biggest jumps." Participation in handball was also increased by 50%. Paralympic sports "which have had a surge in popularity" include equestrianism, goalball, cycling and boccia (TELEGRAPH, 3/8).