Study Shows Kids Like to Skate

[Robert]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 9, 2006 - Whether it's in a competitive or recreational environment, millions of American children are active playing sports and athletic activities. Regardless of the time of year, youngsters in the U.S. are attracted to a wide variety of activities - ranging from team to extreme.

Most Popular Sports for U.S. Children (ages 6-17)

Based on Overall Participation in 2004
Rank Sport Number of Participants
1 Bowling 17,035,000
2 Basketball 15,994,000
3 Tent Camping 13,434,000
4 Freshwater Fishing 12,331,000
5 Running/Jogging 12,026,000
6 In-line Skating 10,408,000
7 Outdoor Soccer 10,274,000
8 Scooter Riding 8,967,000
9 Day Hiking 8,826,000
10 Skateboarding 8,752,000
11 Calisthenics 8,665,000
12 Stretching 7,817,000
13 Billiards/Pool 7,434,000
14 Ice Skating 6,730,000
15 Touch Football 6,707,000
16 Court Volleyball 6,401,000
17 Roller Skating 6,298,000
18 Baseball 5,949,000
19 Horseback Riding 5,828,000
20 Hand Weights 5,411,000
21 Treadmills 5,273,000
22 Dumbbells 5,238,000
23 Tennis 5,228,000
24 RV Camping 5,080,000
25 Artificial Wall Climbing 4,562,000

Source: SGMA's SuperStudy of Sports Participation (Volumes I, II, and III)

"While it's impressive to see that millions of American children are actively engaged in sports, the number of youngsters who could be active in athletics and recreational activities should be higher," said SGMA President Tom Cove. "The number of children who are overweight due to inactivity is soaring and must be reversed. And, one of the best ways to remedy the matter is to reintroduce physical education on a regular basis for all school-age children. As an aside, the sporting goods industry will be addressing the P.E. issue on Capitol Hill on May 3 during National P.E. Day."

The source of the data in this release - SGMA's SuperStudy of Sports Participation - Volumes I, II, and III (2005 edition) - is available for purchase from http://www.SGMA.com (click on Insight, click on Participation Studies, then click on SuperStudy).

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is the global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA, owner of the Sports Research Partnership®, enhances industry vitality and fosters sports, fitness, and active lifestyle participation. More information about SGMA can be found at http://www.SGMA.com.

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[keninman]

What is the difference between hand weights and dumbells? Could they have ment loose weights? Also why count rollerskating, ice skating and inline skating separately? Shouldn't they all be counted as just skating?

I know a lot of questions, so few answers.