ABSTRACT
I attempt in the first section of this case study to lay the foundations for promoting all forms of physical activity (PA), particularly sport, for their health benefits. Sport has often claimed that health is one of its main benefits but this has never been spelled out in detail. In the second section I set out a menu of ideas to illustrate how sport and all forms of PA can be used to promote health. It is by no means exhaustive, but outlines where organisations need to address their time and energies and demonstrate a significant role to play in health promotion. Initially, let me outline what I mean by PA: it refers to a wide range of activities encompassing sports, dance, activities in a fitness suite, exercise classes, walking, cycling and swimming as well as domestic activities like gardening, yoga and tai chi, where regular participation has the power to improve body systems, energise the body and mind, and enhance health and well-being.
