Impact of global sporting events

Question 1

What are positive sporting impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 1

1. Raises profile of the sport and may lead to more people participating and watching
2. New sporting venues are often built
3. Focuses attention on minority sport which may inspire people to to try a new sport
4. Increase in funding for the sports involved
5. Increase in sponsorship for individual participants.

Question 2

What are negative sporting impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 2

1. Although sporting participation may rise temporarily during sporting event, it usually begins to gradually decline
2. Facilities used for event may be unused afterwards
3. Lesser known non-global sports can suffer with money and resources going towards big global events
4. Sport deviance (hooliganism) is more likely to be heightened.

Question 3

What are positive social impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 3

1. Public services are improved
2. Sense of pride to the host nation which creates a sense of well-being
3. Increased use of sport facilities by local communities
4. Improved transport systems
5. Accommodation and other facilities which are built can afterwards be used by the community.

Question 4

What are negative social impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 4

1. Not all areas of the country get the same facility benefits
2. Not all areas benefit form improvements to infrastructure and transport systems
3. Local inhabitants may have to vacate land being used for sports venues.

Question 5

What are positive economic impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 5

1. Increased income to country leads to positive economic impact
2. More jobs created through building of facilities, transport and infrastructure
3. Increase in tourism, during and after the event
4. Commercial benefits related to goods sold in the area of the event and also in the sale of event-related goods.

Question 6

What are negative economic impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 6

1. Bidding to host a global sports event can be very expensive
2. Can cost more than it raises in revenue which would mean an overall economic loss
3. Benefits to employment are often temporary and dry up after event
4. If events or participants are linked to failure, revenue from merchandising and advertising can fall.

Question 7

What are positive political impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 7

1. Political leaders can gain credit if their country succeeds in their bid to host a global sports event
2. Staging a global event can bring unity to a country and a sense of purpose
3. A country or city can use the event as a ‘shop window’ for their culture and therefore can raise the country’s status in the eyes of the world.

Question 8

What are negative political impacts of hosting global sporting events?

Answer 8

1. If the cost of the event goes over budget it could lead to a loss in votes and decrease in government resources
2. If something goes wrong (e.g. a terrorist attack) this could lead to politicians having to take some responsibility
3. If the host nation does poorly it could reflect badly on the ruling party
4. Negative environmental impacts can lead to decreased popularity of the ruling party
5. If the legitimacy of the event is perceived to be negative, it could be damaging for ruling party
6. Protests by athletes and spectators can be embarrassing for the ruling party.