Statistics for 2017-18 show a 21.5% annual increase in people visiting the town’s leisure centres, with a jump from 697,017 to 846,644 the year previously.
The largest overall increase was seen at the Golf Centre where visitor numbers went up from 25,413 to 38,270 – a 50% jump.
Swimming lessons also saw an increase with the Neptune Centre going from 453 to 549 - a 21.19% leap – and the Rainbow going from 1,022 to 1,196, an increase of 17.02%.
Councillor Lewis Young, executive member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “This year has been a fantastic one for sport in Middlesbrough and one in which we saw many of our local athletes win medals at the Commonwealth Games, including a gold for Aimee Willmott.
“The increase in sports participation is great to see and we are pleased to see more people taking part in all sorts of activities. We have some amazing facilities here in Middlesbrough which allows everyone to enjoy all sports – there are no barriers to enjoying and participating here in sport or leisure at any level.
“For example, the Middlesbrough Sports Village is a state of the art complex and is one of the best in the North of England and our whole leisure offer is second to none.
“Added to that we have our fantastic 10k and 5k races – with the Ali Brownlee 5k Riverside Run seeing record numbers taking part.
“We hope by shouting about this increase in participation and the inspiration given by our Commonwealth champions motivate more people to explore what’s on offer at our fantastic leisure centres.”
