P3 - Global sporting events

Question 1

what are positive and negative sporting factors from hosting a global sporting event?

Answer 1

POSITIVE
Raises profile of sport 
– e.g. increase in cycling interest & participation
New facilities
- eg. Copperbox Arena
Focus on minority sport (Paralympics 2012)
Increased funding for elite athletes
Money to athletes (sponsors) 

NEGATIVE 
Short-termism of benefits 
(will increased participation last?)
Ineffective use of facilities & elite focus
Smaller, non-global sports may suffer
Deviance 
(e.g. – hooliganism, terror threat)
Loss of funding if performance is poor 
(e.g. – badminton & basketball)

Question 2

what are positive and negative economic factors from hosting a global sporting event?

Answer 2

POSITIVE
Income – tourism (London 2012 generated £2 billion)
Job creation – Glasgow 2014 created 1000 jobs
Commercial benefits for local businesses
Income tax increases following increased profits

NEGATIVE
Bidding – England World Cup 2018 failed bid cost £21 million
Event itself can be costly – Montreal 1976 (£2 billion debt paid
off in 2006)
Employment benefits may only be short term
Loss of sponsors/funding (after poor results)
Money not invested in key services eg. NHS

Question 3

what are positive and negative social factors from hosting a global sporting event?

Answer 3

POSITIVE
Money can be used to support local community
National pride (nation building)
Legacy of facilities
Improved transport network
Better accommodation
Regeneration of housing & infrastructure

NEGATIVE
Effects not felt outside host city?
Disruption & displacement for locals
Crime can increase
Short-termism - will investment continue after the games?
In 1990, Red Star Belgrade v Dinamo Zagreb derby sparks Civil
War in Balkans

Question 4

what are positive and negative political factors from hosting a global sporting event?

Answer 4

POSITIVE
Gain votes/popularity
Unity (political differences between countries can be forgotten)
Shop window – e.g. – Beijing 2008, Sydney 2000
Justification of political systems of Government (e.g - Beijing
2008 and communism, Nazism 1936)

NEGATIVE
Voters may be against the costs
Terrorism risk increases
If host city does not do well it can be unpopular amongst 
voters
Damage environment
Games can be used for protests/political use – e.g. – 1968, 
1976