1. Thesis statement
Hosting a ‘mega-event’ such as an Olympic Games or World Cup is an
opportunity for urban development and infrastructure improvement in any city.
However, for a developing city it may only be possible to deliver a successful
event and positive urban legacies if it can produce a budget model and
development plan that prioritises its people over its image .
The legacy of a mega-event could be skills and knowledge for the city, rather
than just physical improvements
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2. Arguments (Why should developing countries host mega-events?)
Mega-events are opportunity for securing
federal funding for improved:
•Infrastructure: transport, communication,
public utilities
•Cleanliness and beautification
•Housing
•Sporting facilities
The Olympic Port, built for Barcelona’s 1992 Olympics
It is in the spirit of the Olympic Games,
Commonwealth Games and World Cup
to share the hosting responsibility which
promotes equality and diversity
There can be immediate economic gains
through tourism and the opportunity to
re-image a city and country for future
Tourism advertising for the London 2012 Olympics
tourism
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3. Counterarguments
(Why developing countries shouldn’t host mega-events?)
The costs associated with preparing a city to host a
mega-event are usually well over $US1 billion.
Health and safety standards can be very low in
terms of constructing a number of buildings and at
a fast pace, while ensuring healthy standards of
drinking water and living conditions.
The Commonwealth Games in Delhi, due to open
The poverty in in 12 days, are in crisis after a footbridge
some countries collapsed injuring 23 people.
[Photo: Adnan Abidi/Reuters]
means that sport
is not a priority
and people do
not have time for
it, so venues go
unused after the
event
Two months after the World Cup, the
Soccer City stadium looks old as if it had
been obsolete for quite some time.
[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com] Slums and construction workers’ housing near
the Delhi stadium for the 2010 Commonwealth
The event can draw attention to the negative Games.
aspects of the city
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4. Conclusion
Hosting a mega-event in developing country is an opportunity to attract funding
and momentum for a variety of urban development projects which can help
improve an economy and the social situation.
If people are made the priority in the planning process, then the legacy of a
mega-event could be skills and knowledge for the city, and relevant and
maintainable physical and urban infrastructure.
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