Have the Olympics lost their lustre?
Posted Aug 5, 2016 07:04:25 AM.
Last Updated Aug 7, 2016 06:49:07 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RIO DE JANEIRO (NEWS 1130) – There was a time when the Games were undeniably one of the biggest world events. Financially, they still are, but have they lost their sparkle?
It’s a great idea to host the Olympics if you’re a politician or represent the construction industry. That’s the view of Urban Studies specialist David Roberts with the University of Toronto.
“What we’re definitely seeing in the Winter Games, is more autocratic regimes choosing to spend their money on lavish things like the Olympics rather than other things for their societies,” says Roberts. “We may see that with the Summer Games as well, I would imagine.”
But otherwise, he says it doesn’t really make much sense. “In all honesty, there’s less and less reason,” for hosting the Games, explains Roberts. “We’re seeing that. Especially with the Winter Games. But also with the Summer Games. A lot of cities just bowing out of the competition to host the Games. Because they tend to be much more expensive than they’re worth.”
And this lack of appeal isn’t just a theory. People in Hamburg voted against hosting the 2024 Olympics in November.
Will Rio de Janeiro benefit?
Once the dust settles in Rio and the fans from around the world depart, will that city be better off?
The broadcasts likely won’t show you the parts of the city walled off from the main events, the favelas where crime and poverty are rampant.
Roberts says once the party packs up, it’s unlikely the people in those areas will benefit.
“There’s a whole other side to it,” says Roberts. “Parts of town that are being covered up literally by walls so tourists don’t see them or we don’t see them on television, and lots of uneven social development as a consequence of hosting these games.”
As for how the balance sheets will look for the various levels of Brazilian governments involved, Roberts suggests the games will likely be a net negative, complete with giant stadiums that might barely be used in future.
