More than medals? Study on the perception of competitive sport
On behalf of the German Olympic Sports Confederation and Athleten Deutschland e.V., SINUS-Institut conducted a multi-method study. The study was conducted in three phases. It is based on a qualitative pilot study with focus groups, a subsequent representative online survey and in-depth focus groups after completion and evaluation of the quantitative representative survey.
Background of the study
The objective of the project was the holistic and differentiated presentation of the current perception of competitive sport and promotion of competitive sport in society as well as the examination and description of the social benefits of competitive sport.
As part of the federal-state sports working group process for the detailed concept of the elite sports reform, the project is intended to contribute to a debate on objectives for the future promotion of elite sports. Based on the results of the study, proposals for updated goals for German elite sport funding and recommendations for strategic funding measures are to be developed.
The project was supported by an advisory board made up of experts from organized sport, academia, politics, the media, business and civil society.
Key findings
- Benefits for society: Competitive sport is seen by a large majority as socially valuable - for cohesion, communicating values, promoting popular sport and international understanding, among other things. Its role as an international image bearer, on the other hand, is less emphasized.
- Perceived risks: Doping, violence, sexual abuse and high pressure to perform are seen as key risks. Awareness of these is consistently high.
- Sport promotion: Two thirds show little interest in public promotion of competitive sport, but the majority (74%) consider it important. The importance of popular sports promotion is rated even higher. The population expects the promotion of competitive sport not only to bring sporting success, but also to have a social and ethical effect.