Have you ever wondered what may help someone feel like they belong in sport? This may sound like a simple question, but the answer is often deeply personal.
For some, it's feeling welcome when they arrive; for others, it's seeing people who share similar experiences, cultures or backgrounds to them. And sometimes, it's simply knowing that a space was designed with them in mind.
The Asian Sports Foundation (ASF) recently announced a new partnership with parkrun UK, which is built around a shared commitment to better understanding the experiences of Asian communities and exploring how more people can feel connected to physical activity.
Starting with conversations
We know that sport and physical activity can have a powerful impact on our health, wellbeing and sense of community.
But Sport England's latest Active Lives Adult Survey highlights that participation levels among some South Asian communities remain lower than the national average, and that health inequalities continue to exist.
While data can help us understand trends, it does not always tell us why people choose not to participate, what challenges they experience, or what would encourage them to get involved.
That is why the focus of this partnership is not to assume solutions, but to listen.
Over the coming months, ASF and parkrun will work together to engage with people from Asian communities, gathering insights and lived experiences to better understand what helps people feel welcome, what barriers may exist, and what opportunities there are to create more inclusive environments.
The importance of belonging
Parkrun has become a familiar part of many communities across the UK.
Every Saturday morning, thousands of people come together to run, walk, volunteer and connect with others.
Yet experiences of physical activity can vary significantly from one person to another, as what feels accessible and welcoming for some may feel unfamiliar or intimidating for others.
Understanding those differences is essential if we want to create opportunities that genuinely work for everyone.
At ASF, we believe that increasing participation starts with understanding communities, not speaking on their behalf.
By putting ‘listening’ first, we can help ensure that future actions are informed by the people they are intended to support.