Submitted by MitchTobol on

At what cost

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Lifestyle

I enjoy watching the Olympics. I'm always amazed at the dedication, drive and committment these athletes make to test their skills and athletic prowess once every four years. The sheer beauty of the venue, athletes and host country is truly spectacular.

 

However, as Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel reported on their recent show about the IOC and the effect hosting the Olympics has on a country, it's kind of like Robert Moses on Long Island....bulldozing anything in their way, even people. (It will be airing again on Tuesday August 23rd at 11P)

 

The ideals of the Olympics are not only noble but sorely needed in this world. Apparently the IOC demands and the country's implementation of them are not anywhere near those ideals. Brazil literally dragged people out of their homes to build the stadiums.

 

The billion dollar facilities in Greece are deteriorating while the country can't fulfill it's financial obligations. Russia used no safety controls while building it's winter games and as a result many migrant workers gave their lives. China's stadiums are maintained at great expense in treasure and blood, but they don't care. They want to showcase their regime in a positive light regardless of the cost and impact. In fact, the IOC just awarded the winter games to Beijing. An IOC member that was involved in making this selection said "We know China will create the perfect games."

 

It's a dazzling 4 year event that now, for me, has a hollow ring.

Comments

Fred Klein

When is last Olympics that didn't lose money?
Cayce Crown

I wonder the cost of the health of the athletes. It's not the wisest way to treat your body and I'm not even talking steroids.
Many problems to solve to make the Olympics all they can be.

Submitted by Steven_Mancinelli on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 23:59

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Steven Mancinelli

In truth, the cost of building the facilities for the quadrennial Olympic games is astronomically high for the host city and country, a cost they never recoup for the revenue generated from the games, not to mention the disruption Mitch discusses. The Games are not going away, but why not have them in one permanent location. All member countries could contribute to the cost of building and maintaining the facilities, which could be used over and over again rather than used once and then fall into desuetude and deterioration. Since Greece was the original, ancient home of the Olympics, Greece could be the modern home. Sadly, this will never happen because in reality the Games are less about the athletic competition than the athletic competitions (and the Games at large) are and always have been a subtle (and sometime not so subtle) form of international politics.
Daniel Schwartz

I agree with Steven above. I think having them at one venue makes so much sence. If at Greece, think what having another tourist destination could do to help their economy as well. You could charge an entry fee to tour the facilities that could further help support the upkeep. Win win in my book.

Submitted by royscott on Sat, 08/20/2016 - 00:30

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Roy Scott

Define losing money. When the Dolan family out of protectionism and Sheldon Silver out of greed that he didn't get enough out of it killed the Olympics in NY, there were so many other public works projects that were not done as part of the plans to host the Olympics. Yes, many of the venues have fallen to disrepair but that is more on the Olympic Committee and local organizers not maintaining the world class facilities which they are basically given at the end of the Olympics to host future events. Some cities have maintained the venues for that purpose and continue to this day. How long did Montreal continue to use that stadium for events? The great value is the money for local businesses and infrastructure improvements. Sites are either built or modernized to host the Olympics and carry on long after. The ferry system now being put in place was part of the transportation system originally envisioned to transport athletes between events. The extension of the #7 train and the West Side yard project and stadium are just a few that come to mind.
Corey Bearak

Recall how Mayor Bloomberg and his Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff sought to bring the 2012 Summer Olympics to NYC. The surreal plan included building a beach volleyball site in Williamsburg instead of using any of the existing beaches. There was more but their fixation with an "Olympic X" as they called the plan made is DOA.
Rona Gura

Mitch, I wish I had more to add to this conversation. I have to admit my prior ignorance on this topic but say thank you for enlightening me.
Cayce Crown

And let's not forget the rampant sexism of the broadcasters.

Submitted by royscott on Sun, 08/21/2016 - 00:50

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Roy Scott

To Corey - The Olympic X is happening now....much of the ferry plans were at the core of the X strategy and the reason for the beach volleyball venue had nothing to do with beaches but being able to get people to and from and build a venue to hold it. Again, my point is that it tremendously depends on how you calculate cost and revenue of hosting an Olympics as to whether or not it is a success. There was so much good for the city of New York and surrounding areas that could have been achieved in a much shorter period of time than what I believe in many ways those public projects will now be done. I believe Rio will be a catastrophe for that country as they will not be able to take advantage of these venues or buildings like a New York would have.

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