Global sporting events

Question 1

Background

Many city and countries bid to host global events, which can be an expensive and protracted process. Despite this it is still an attractive opportunity to raise the profile of the city, potential future financial benefits.

Countries and, in the case of the Olympic Games, cities host, big, expensive sport events. This can be a blessing for the hosts, with advantages and disadvantages in putting on these events.

The impacts of hosting a global sporting event on the host country or city include: (4)

Answer 1

• Sporting impacts
• Social impacts
• Economic impacts
• Political impacts

Question 2

Sporting impacts - Positive (5) vs Negative (4)

Answer 2

Positive:

• The event raises the profile of the sport; which could lead to more people participating.
• New or upgraded sporting venues for the event, leave a legacy
• Event can focus attention on minority sports; which may inspire more people to try it out/take it up.
• Increase in funding for the sports involved
• Increase in sponsorship and commercial income for individuals

Negative:

• Although increase in participation occurred directly after the 2012 Olympics, rates are in decline
• Facilities used for the event can end up not being used after the event
• Lesser known non-global sporting event can suffer
• Sport deviance is more likely to be highlighted via media at global events.

Question 3

Social impacts - Positive (5) vs Negative (3)

Answer 3

Positive:

• More money brought into the city or country, which can be used for the local population
• Hosting the event can give pride to the city/country – helps in nation building
• Improved use of facilities by local communities
• Improved transport systems
• Regeneration of areas – accommodation and facilities used by the community

Negative:

• Not all areas of the country will benefit from the new facilities
• Some areas of the country do not benefit from improved infrastructure and transport systems
• Local inhabitants may have to leave the area for the development of the venues.

Question 4

Economic impacts - Positive (4) vs Negative (4)

Answer 4

Positive:

• Increase income into the host country via participants and spectators
• More jobs created through the development of the facilities, transport and infrastructure
• Increase in tourism
• Commercial benefits- increase in goods sold

Negative:

• Bidding for the event can be very expensive
• The event can cost the hosts more than it raises in revenue leading to an economic loss
• The benefits to employment and longer term jobs are often exaggerated and many are only temporary
• If the events are linked to dysfunctional behaviour sponsors and future funding could be affected

Question 5

Political impacts - Positive (3) vs Negative (4)

Answer 5

Positive:

• Political parties and leaders can gain credit and potential more votes in future political campaigns
• Can bring unity to the country and a sense of purpose
• Country and city can use the event as a shop window for their culture; raising the status in the eyes of the world

Negative:

• Cost of the event goes over budget, which can lead to a loss in votes and government resources
• Politically disadvantageous if there is a terrorist attack, lapse in security
• Environmental factors
• Protests surrounding the events can be embarrassing for a country’s ruling party.