THE UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh has said that their sport and wellbeing programmes reportedly deliver a net economic benefit of £22m.
The university claim that for every £1 spent on their sport and wellbeing programmes, £5.69 is returned in social value and economic impact.
Their claim is sourced from The Sport and Active Wellbeing Report covering the 2023/24 academic year.
According to the report the £22.2m can be broken down into £12.2 million in economic benefits and £10.42 million in social benefits.
These benefits, according to the university, include created jobs, support for the local economy, partnerships with regional and national organisations, improved mental health, enhanced social inclusion, and increased overall student satisfaction.
Over 1.15m participations were recorded participating in the university’s sports and wellbeing programmes.
According to the report the universities’ sports and wellbeing programmes have a cost benefit ratio of 5.69.
This means for every pound invested in the programmes the university nets a return value of £5.69.
Maree Todd, MSP and minister for social care mental wellbeing and sport, said: “The University of Edinburgh’s commitment to sport and active wellbeing underlines the profound value that these initiatives bring.
“The combined social and economic benefits highlight not just the transformative power of physical activity for individual health and wellbeing, but also its role in fostering community cohesion and driving economic growth across Edinburgh and Scotland.
“From enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of students and staff to creating meaningful connections within the wider community, this report demonstrates how sport and active wellbeing can truly change lives.”
