The most popular sporting activities in rural areas: the case of the town of Osuna (Seville)

Abstract

The specialization and decentralization of sporting activity in Spain has experienced constant progress in recent decades; currently there is a wide variety of sports that can be practiced. Furthermore, depending on the geographical characteristics of each area, different sports are promoted. The main objective of this research is to identify the sports most practiced in the population of Osuna (Seville), as well as to show the relationship of these sports with the sociodemographic characteristics of the subjects. The sample amounts to 405 people from the population of Osuna (Seville), of which 241 are women (60%) and 164 men (40%). The participants have completed the questionnaire “Habits and Attitudes of the Andalusian Population towards Sports” published by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Government of Andalusia. The results show that there are three sports practices that stand out above the rest: maintenance gymnastics, paddle tennis and running. In addition, a significant percentage of those surveyed have also stated that they practice other sports. Men are more likely to practice paddle tennis, soccer, 7-a-side soccer and indoor soccer, while women tend to do hiking and maintenance gymnastics to a greater extent. This study can establish indicators and action plans to increase sports practice in the population.