MATHS IN THE PAPERS Maths and Sport 2003

Fewer children play sport
Sport

A survey by Sport England has shown that the number of young people not participating in sports activities during school time has risen. In 1994, 15% of young people did not take part in sports activities. This has risen to 18% in 2002.

The survey also found that football is becoming more popular with girls, with 13% playing the game in 2002, compared with 7% in 1994. The survey was conducted among 3000 children and young people aged 6 to 16.

The Guardian 26/2/03

The International Skating Union has adopted a new method of scoring, in an attempt to remove the incentive for bribery. Under the new system, not every judge’s score will be counted. Instead, scores are randomly selected by computer. Critics say there is a danger of collusion by a block of judges under the new system.

Chronicle of Higher Education 31/1/03

Singapore woman scores four hole-in-ones.
Sport

Christine Keung, who plays golf twice a week with her husband, has scored four hole-in-ones in four months. The odds of scoring a single hole -in -one are 42,000 to 1.

Ananova 28/01/03

The longest pool game ever?
Sport

In Alberta, Canada, four men have possibly created a new world record for continuous pool playing, clocking up 103 hours.

Ananova 20/1/03