The Olympic Games Bring the World Closer Together and That's a Good Thing!

Not long ago, I was talking with an acquaintance in London about the 2012 Olympic Games, and we both agreed how leading the Olympic Games are from a humanitarian standpoint, as it helps bridge the political, cultural, religious, and theoretical divides. The long-term benefits from both the hosting countries, and the visitors are immense. Surely, these games have had a distinct impact on the world, and our combined histories. But, not all can be said to be so warm and fuzzy as my international acquaintance reminds us;

"That said, however, I believe the cost of hosting the games are exorbitant and not sufficiently communicated to the populace of the bidding cities ahead of the tender process."

London Olympic

Yes, he is speaking of the challenges of cost over runs in London leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games, and the Iocs International Olympic Committee's oversight and rules. Okay so, in hindsight he'd be spoton when addressing concerns Olympic costs and how they work on a capitalistic or free-society, where the citizens pick and vote on issues of national expenditures, taxation, and the like - as those issues have come into more than sufficient controversy over the years.

But, in Dictatorship or Communist countries, well it doesn't matter, as what those in fee say goes, "the state knows best" motif and you can like it or die basically. Okay so, in the capitalist nations bidding on the Olympics, what we need to growth the transparency and facts flow, true accounting upfront. Maybe the Ioc needs to make this an "additional criteria" to the bidding because for them it matters what the host country's citizen has to say.

If the host country's citizens are pissed off then, tourists will not be greeted with the warmth which would have fostered hereafter tour or distinct benefits for trade, political ties, or friendships. Plus, the negative media will be played world-wide, which is not so good either, as it puts a black mark on the event, and hosting country, not to mention the Ioc itself - and hereafter bidding and award decisions. My acquaintance also notes that if hosting the Olympic Games leaves a bad taste in mouth's of the citizen of the hosting country, ultimately this will seriously detract from the Olympic Brand.

Indeed, this is touchy topic, and yet, it is leading for hosting nations and their citizens to address up front. I hope you will please think all this and think on it. You may email me with comments, questions, or concerns as usual.

The Olympic Games Bring the World Closer Together and That's a Good Thing!