Both take a long four-year wait. But when they eventually happen, they are ones to savour. One happened four years ago in Brazil; the same venue where another one happens this year. It was a festival to behold, the 2014 Fifa Soccer World Cup; which Germany won by beating Argentina in the final.
Joy undefined
An even more involving festival returns to the sporting South American nation – the all-involving 2016 Rio Olympics. In terms of sheer awareness and adrenaline the World Cup is quite something. The passion and universal obsession that it garners globally is one to behold.
Yet it is difficult to ignore the endless opportunities variety of sports disciplines at the Olympics brings to the world, the joy, the passion, the excitement.
Actually, an attempt to compare and contrast the two great sporting events is an attempt to conceal joy. The good news is that we can savour them both, and every time one is upon us, we just have to get immersed.
And this year’s Olympics – in which Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich attempts to defend his marathon gold, legendary sprinter Usain Bolt to dazzle, and Brazil to prove they can pull it off despite the economic and social hardships coming into the Games – is right upon us.
But just why is the Olympics so much this important, and why should we care?
Prestige
Remember the heart momentarily skipping when the Ugandan flag was raised and the anthem sang in London four years ago? What a moment! For four decades the country had waited for this moment, and what a moment when it eventually happened! That’s what Olympic sports bring.
They may not bring the overflowing cash that comes with, say, the IAAF World Championships, of the coveted World Cup, but they evoke patriotism and national pride like no other.
Television
Just like the World Cup, the Olympics enjoy wide global television audience. Olympics.org says the London 2012 Olympics was broadcast in over 220 territories with 3.6b (3.2b watched the 2010 World Cup) viewers. The trend is sure to continue in Rio later in the year with Bolt and co. expected to light up the games.
Value for money
If it is quality, it will sell. The Olympics is no different. The average resale price for the 2012 London Opening Ceremonies was $2,550 with face vale tickets ranging from $31.57 to over $3,000, according to Seatgeek.com. While the run-up to Rio was filled by economic meltdown and uprisings, with 60 percent of the 7.5 million tickets sold by the end of April, signs are that a good proportion, if not all, will be gone by the end of the Games.
Games for all
It is only at the Olympics that even the small Republic of Nauru – the world’s smallest island nation at only 8.1 square miles – get to participate. At the 2008 Beijing Games, weightlifter Itte Detenamo was Nauru’s only participant. A combined 204 National Olympic Committees took part in the 2012 London Olympics, with 79 countries – including Uganda – acquiring at least one medal. This should continue in Rio.
Economic impact
The London 2012 Olympics is reported to have boosted the UK economy by £9.9b. The £9.9b figure is said to have been the extra business for UK firms from 2012, in addition to the jobs and income that were directly generated by building the stadium and other investments to prepare for the Games, according to the BBC.
In contrast, Brazil’s fragile economic situation has seen them struggle, but the stadiums and other facilities have, nonetheless, been built.
This, sure, will contribute to the country’s economy and sporting growth in the long run, and indeed, many Brazilians have already benefitted from the jobs.
For now, let’s dust ourselves and get into the moment. For three weeks, we shall gloat in our national pride; shower our athletes with endless love and support. No more time to worry, to be sad. Let’s just enjoy yet another historical world sporting event.
Let’s go Rio!
0 comments:
Post a Comment