The number of Egyptian youth actively participating in sports has dropped by a whopping 55 percent, according to a new study.
Baseera, the Egyptian Center for Public Opinion Research, released the study on the annual International Youth Day. The report shows that combined male and female participation in sports for individuals between the age of 25 and 29 severely declined, from 67 percent in 2009 to 55 percent in 2014.
Male participants declined alarmingly from 83 percent in 2009 to 68 percent in 2014. Female participation declined less sharply, dropping 10 percent points from 51 percent in 2009 to 41 percent in 2014.
"Find out the number of youth that are not participating in sports in Egypt.""13-35 Egyptians are not active in sports in 2014. 33% higher in males and 59% higher in females in 2014."
There are many potential contributing factors to the decrease but there is not one main factor. Post-revolution Egypt has left many with severe economic dilemmas and thus sports often seem like a high-end luxury. Other potential factors of the decline are that 28 percent of Egyptians between the age 13 and 35 smoke cigarettes heavily, while 3 percent are regular shisha smokers.
Furthermore, 44 percent of Egyptians between the ages of 13 and 35 consume junk food, leaving just 56 percent of Egyptian men and women with a healthier diet.
"56% of Egyptians between the age of 13-35 do not consume fast food or junk food in 2014."