Kerre Woodham: Forced sport hasn't a show

Compulsory sport won't work. Photo / Duncan Brown

Trevor Mallard's announcement this week - that should Labour win the election, sport will be compulsory for all young people at school - is vintage Labour policy.

In 1937, the Labour Government of the time passed the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, with the intention of making leisure activities and sports more accessible to the community and to address concerns about the physical condition and fitness of Kiwis.

Didn't work then and it won't work now.

Those who love sport will find a way to play it. And those who loathe getting into their rompers will always find a way to do a bunk.