Constraints toward participation in Sport Recreation Activities. Analysis of studies that conducted in Greece

 In many developed countries, including Greece, citizen participation in recreational sport activities shows very low rates (Alexandris & Carroll, 1997). These low rates was the motive to investigate possible constraints which lead to low participation in recreational sport activities, focusing mainly on research carried out in Greece. The aim of this study was: a) to review Greek and international bibliography in order to examine and record constraints that may prevent Greek citizens to participate in recreational sport activities, b) to analyze and classify data from research according to differences arising from demographic characteristics and related to decision making notions such as 'involvement' and 'motivation' and c) to make suggestions for stakeholders and authorities in order to eliminate constraints and encourage citizens to participate in recreation sport activities. That research study on constraints indicated many factors that make it difficult for citizens to join recreational sport activities. Among these factors were: demographic characteristics, financial reasons, lack of company, lack of free time as well as inefficient time management, quality of facilities / services and accessibility, lack of knowledge, unawareness of benefits of exercise and especially of participation in recreational sport activities.