More Dutch people playing sports

Half the Dutch population spent at least one hour a week on some form of physical sport in 2003. This is 4 percent more than in 1997. One in six men and one in ten women exercise for at least five hours a week.

Hours of physical sports per week, 2003

Less sports activity as people grow older

In 2003 51 percent of people aged 15 years or older practised some form of physical sport for at least one hour a week. This is 4 percent more than in 1997. Some 3 percent practised sports for less than an hour a week and 46 percent spent no time on sporting activities. In 1997 49 percent did not do any sports. Up to the age of 25 three in ten people do not active sports. This rises to just over six in ten for the over-65s.

Sports activities by age, 2003

Sports enthusiasts

One in eight people spend more than five hours a week on active sports: one in six men and one in ten women. Up to the age of 25 one quarter of the population spend more than five hours a week on sports; for older age groups this is around one in ten.

Many people walk and cycle

Although only half of the population are active sportsmen and women, less intensive physical activity is more common. In 2003, 83 percent of the population walked recreationally for at least one hour a week, and 85 percent cycled for at least one hour every week.

Walking and cycling, 2003

Nearly one quarter of the population walked for more than five hours a week and nearly a quarter cycled for at least five hours a week. Up to 45 years one in six people are frequent walkers or cyclists. From 45 to 65 years this is one quarter, and for the over-65s even more than one in three.

Hans Schmeets en Henk Hendriks