Investigating indicators for measuring the health and social impact of sport and recreation programs in Indigenous communities

This report presents the findings of a project to identify potential indicators of health and social outcomes from sport and recreation programmes in discrete indigenous communities. This report highlights the potential benefits from participation in physical activity and the importance of viable and sustainable programmes to support involvement in sport and recreation.

With more than 35 per cent of the indigenous population of the Northern Territory under the age of 15 years, sport in particular offers an avenue for engaging young indigenous people in community activities. As a result of the project, a number of indicators are proposed for immediate testing and refinement, and others are recommended for future development. The indicators are intended for use for the routine monitoring of sport and recreation programmes in discrete Indigenous communities.

[Abstract adapted from the author]