Only 50% of Reunion Islanders aged 15 or over regularly practice physical or sporting activity, that is to say on average at least one session per week, reveals an INSEE study based on 2020 data.
“This share is much lower than the national average (65 %) and lower than that of all overseas departments and regions (54 %), underlined INSEE. Réunion is the last French region in terms of regular sporting activity among its population. » The number of licensees in sports clubs is also significantly lower in Reunion : 114 licenses per 1,000 inhabitants in 2022 compared to 157 at the national level. The publication of these figures caused controversy. The Departmental Council notably requested an update of the study based on 2023 data., those of 2020 having been collected “in the midst of a health crisis”. Elected officials also ask to take into consideration “informal physical and sporting activities, whether it is a simple walk, hikes, jogging sessions and outdoor activities”, practiced by many Reunion Islanders.
