SGMA International Report
The latest 2003 SGMA International "Sports Participation in America: A National Attraction" edition (2003) says that women are 50% or more of all participants in 29 athletic endeavors--16 of which are fitness activities. The report covers 103 athletic activities.
The Superstudy of Sports Participation (conducted by American Sports Data, Inc.) reports that growth in participation during the past five years is due solely to population growth. With obesity fast becoming the number one health threat in America, it is imperative to encourage participation in sports/recreational activities.
Hot Sport Activity. Participation in paintball has increased from 5.9 million in 1998 to 8.7 million in 2002--a 47.5% increase.
Strike. Bowling continues its "king of the hill" status as the most popular sport in the U.S.
Thrill Seekers. Extreme sports, such as artificial wall climbing, snowboarding, and skateboarding have soared in popularity since 1998.
Gone Fishin'! Fishing, with 51 million participants, is second only to bowling as the most popular activity.
Great Outdoors. Since 1998, there has been strong participation increases in snowboarding, kayaking and artificial wall climbing.
Let's Get Fit. In 2002, there were 36.3 million health club members--up from 20.7 million in ‘90.
Fitness Activities. Since 2000, low impact fitness activities, such as Pilates training, elliptical motion trainers and yoga/tai chi have soared in popularity.
SGMA International, owner of The Super Show, is the global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA International fosters industry growth and advances members' interests through market research, communications, public policy, sports promotion, and international business development programs. SGMA International, North Palm Beach, FL; sgma.com.
The photos, taken by Skirmish.com are of paintball players from among the 8.7 million in the U.S. All photos were taken at Skirmish USA, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, one of the largest and longest-running paintball play sites in the world.
