Bay of Plenty sport is beginning to add its weight to the region's economic sector with sport and recreation contributing $299.5 million, according to the latest figures.

Figures released in Sport NZ's Value of Sport survey shows the sector is increasingly becoming a powerhouse in the region, not only socially but economically, laying claim to $299.5 million of the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – or 3.2 per cent.

Rugby Sevens has been highlighted as one of the front runners in promoting Bay of Plenty sport's economic value.

Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Wayne Werder says these results show sports in the modern age is no longer built purely on passion and fans – instead providing 3179 jobs within the community, 2.7 per cent of all employment.

The paid workers are also supported by 43,204 volunteers.

'Sport and recreation is now a significant player economically and the recent inclusion into the Bay of Connections' economic strategy is evidence of this.”

The results along with a Young Peoples survey , the first of its kind, show in the Bay alone 91 per cent of young people (5-17 years) take part in at least one sport or recreation activity, with 72.6 per cent of boys and 60.3 per cent of girls saying they like playing sport ‘a lot'.

Figures also show Tauranga City Council contributes $15.1 million to the development of sport and recreation facilities, with more than 43,000 volunteers giving about 2.6 million hours of their time to sport each year.

Wayne says the figures add weight to the significance of the sector, and offer a benchmark to improve upon.

'It's given us, for the first time, the sort of size and scope of our sector.

'Sport traditionally has been seen as something that can really enhance the social well-being of the community but it shows it can also enhance the economic sector as well.”

He says becoming part of the region's economic strategy helps identify what sort of sports can help further the region, highlighting Rugby Sevens and biking as the two leaders.

The region is set to host the national sevens tournament in Rotorua for the next two years, replacing Queenstown who hosted it since 2003. The potential economic benefits are being seen as a significant boost to the region, which continues to flourish on the sevens scene.

Sport BOP are also working with regional tourism organisations in the aim to produce a joint approach across Bay of Plenty, promoting cycling infrastructures which are already in place.

But while the news is mostly positive, Wayne says globally obesity is continuing to become more common in children with 10 per cent of children aged two to 14 now considered obese. A further 21 per cent is identified in the latest New Zealand Health Survey.

'You look around and it's a worldwide trend, not just a New Zealand trend. But it does show that physical activity has been one of the silver bullets for that.

'Sport and recreation has a real value to our community, from an economic, health and social perspective. However, the obesity statistics are a reminder of what the world will be like if we don't continue to promote and provide opportunities for people to be active and participate in sport.”