Global Q&A: ‘How worthwhile are the Olympics today, considering cost, security issues, and so on?’

New York, USA

Thomas Abdallah, Chief Environmental Engineer

The Olympics are a great opportunity for the world to get together at the same place for a couple of weeks and show real sportsmanship and citizenship between nations. It is a symbol of “We really can get along,” and I think the spirit of the Olympics is something that this world could use. I have always watched both the summer and winter Olympics. … I think it embodies what this world needs—more sportsmanship and more tolerance toward people who may look different, or may not be from the same place, but it bonds us all as human beings. The Olympics are a symbol of that brotherhood.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rewa Baweja, 38, Finance Professional

It is definitely worth having the Olympic Games, because it’s a forum where the best sports persons from different parts of world compete, and connect in such a variety of sports. From the security point of view, there is not much difference compared to other international, political, sports, or social events. It’s the same! Although the Olympics can be expensive, they help the economies especially the countries hosting them.

Naxos Island, Greece

Maria Fwti, 38, Civil Engineer

The Olympic Games are nice, because your country may be honored with some distinction. On the other hand, the costs are high, as we saw here in Greece. A large amount of money was spent on the facilities, and now those buildings have remained closed.

Paris, France

Pascale Aubert, 28, Commercial Agent

Considering the cost that it generates for the host country, I think in this period of economic crisis, the Olympics are inappropriate. Despite the economic dynamism generated, investment in sports facilities is paid by the taxpayer. This is unacceptable for the sport; it is hard capitalism. With sporting events, the “richer” continue to earn money. The everyday citizen earns only entertainment to watch.

Rydeback, Sweden

Arne, Strom, 67, Company Owner

Cost is exorbitant. I think that since the 9/11 incident, the security has been exaggerated in an unpleasant way, and this has scared the people of the world in a way, and even encouraged presumed terrorists. … Unfortunately, this is necessary today; I mean the high security. In general, I am for the Olympic Games, but I am not happy about the high security.

Morungaba, Brazil

Helio Brum, 39, Mason

The way the country is in trouble, the government should spend the money they spend on the Olympics for health, for example, because it is needed. The benefits of the Olympics almost never goes to those most in need.

Colombia

María Eugenia Gomes, 62, Retired Nurse

I think that the Olympic Games at this moment should not be done because there are other priorities in the world. There are hungry people, people with more needs—people with no place to live, or where to find food. So for me, it is essential to worry about other things than the Olympic Games.

Puerto Montt, Chile

Barbara Chiguay, 22, Toy Seller

Especially at this time, the Olympic Games are not worth it; for example, the lack of support for many participants. In Chile, a famous and prominent elite athlete had to be financed by an individual to compete and realize his great achievements. Not all have the same chance. … The world economy also doesn’t have enough resources and there are other needs, which should be prioritized, and finally there is also the possibility of terrorist attacks.

Malaga, Spain

Ana Romero Ledesma, 40, Chef

I think so, because if it wasn’t worth it, why is it that there are so many countries always competing to host the Olympic Games. When a city is chosen, at first a lot of investments have to be made, but I’m convinced that there will be compensation in the middle and long term since the city infrastructure is greatly improved. And, of course, you get an immense amount of media coverage, and the most obvious good effect is that during the games, but also before and afterward, the number of tourists visiting the city exponentially increases.

Lima, Peru

Ivette Rodríguez, 35, Executive Secretary

I think its worth is it’s a way to promote sports in youth, although it has become very commercial; it allows the youth to have goals, and many see another level of games that do not exist in their country of origin. In Peru, there are private entities that support the sports because the government has no resources.

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “Do you think it’s important to keep children’s brains active during school vacation?”

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