Re-thinking sport: physical activity and healthy living in British South Asian Muslim communities

Abstract

An increase in the participation rates of British South Asian Muslim communities in sport and physical activity is a high priority in both the sport and health sectors. Interventions emanating from the sport development sector have to date achieved little significant growth of activity. However, interventions within the health sector appear to be more successful in engaging South Asian communities in activity. This paper is based on field research in a Healthy Living Centre in Blackburn, a town with a large South Asian Muslim community. The research suggests that within such communities a mode of delivery grounded in physical activity and personal health is likely to be more successful than one based on sport and competition. However, it also identifies other cultural factors that will need to be addressed if participation rates are to be further increased.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Shahida Hanif of the Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust and Abdul Mulla, Cathy Watson and Fareeha Ishtiaque of the Blackburn North Healthy Living Centre for their support in facilitating the field research upon which this paper is based and would also like to thank Anjum Anwar of the Lancashire Council of Mosques. The research on which this paper is based was partially funded through Sport England North West.