Exercise seen as money saver

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 22

Exercise seen as money saver

PA j Wellington Exercise can be a big money saver for the Gov- ■ ernment, advisers to the / Minister of r Recreation And Sport, Mr Tapsell, ; believe. _ , If an extra 10 per cent of- the: population ■ exercised more regularly, the nation would save |25 million in health. and social spending, according to an Otago University study, commissioned by the Hillary Commission. Briefing papers prepared by the commission, a statutory body headed by , Sir Ronald Scott, were, made public by. Mr Tap-' sell. Mr Tapsell said the health potential of exercise made “a compelling argument for investing in health rather than paying for illness.” He said he had en-

dtoraed . a cormniarion reassist in the .<tevtte>pntept of recreation and sport ■’Hrai tion and sport had. the potential to -become' a positive and effective in* . strument of Government social policy. “There are opportunities. within this portfolio - area to Improve the qual- , ity of life, reduce health . and crime bills and, de- , velop a sense' of: commun- . ity and national pride,” he .'said.. ' The Hillary' Commission -had made rapid progress on a range of issues in- - eluding women and sport, disabled sport and recreation, ethnic sports and the establishment, of regional sports trusts, Mr Tapsell said. -.■■•■ ' ■ ■ efib ' -•