2016 Olympic Games

October 4, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

Heartfelt Congratulations! To the world famous Mardi Gras city, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for the spectacular victory in their bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Although, all contestants’ promotional bidding was exceptional, the Brazilian presentation was compelling and befitting the outcome. The IOC decision was fair and appropriate considering the other bidders had hosted the international event before and in the case of the United States on numerous occasions within the Olympics diversifications, i.e. Summer, Winter and Para Olympics in several venues, making the USA a prominent host of the most Olympics.

It’s a phenomenal feat for the South American nation, a rising economy and an international champion in the world-renowned sport, ‘football.’ Brazil also honored to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and now the Summer Olympics in 2016, an extraordinary achievement for the rising star.

Brazil’s well deserving stardom would enormously boost the image of the Americas due for a refreshing change and recognition in the global events. The opportunity to host the Summer Olympics would enhance the South American nation to play a lead role in the geopolitics and economic affairs. By selecting the carnival city Rio De Janeiro to host the 2016 Olympics, the IOC has facilitated tourism and travel by the participants/visitors and other economic prospects for the struggling economies in the Americas, barely surviving the global economic crisis.

Sports and entertainments are the best avenues for global peace and harmony. Olympics and other international sports are important for better understanding and appreciation of other cultures and talents exhibited in these events. In the world dealing with persistent violence and political turmoil, the antidote for the human pain is the soothing message of solidarity through competitive activities.

Sports in general nurtures nationalism and more so in the international arena. As long as it is restricted to the spirit of competition and not outreaching political vendetta like demonstrated on various accounts, sports constitutes an integral part of the social spectrum.

The athletes representing each nation have an individual responsibility to be the ideal ambassador for their country in their demeanor… as their actions often perceived to be representative of the entire population.

There have been genuine concerns among certain members of the society against hosting international sports such as Olympics, indicating the negative impact on the city population often forced to relocate to a remote area in order to accommodate the extravagant sports facilities.

Further, they claim that in most instances, the action involved severe police brutality and city council authorities’ lack of consideration to the residents of these metropolitan cities.

Apparently, the massive cleanup operation and decoration hastily carried out in preparation for the gala ceremony and the people plight frequently ignored in terms of noise pollution, traffic congestion not excluding the zonal inflation arising from the visitor influx to the city.

Another factor pertains to the use of the facilities after the event is over. Like witnessed in most Olympic venues, the host city burdened with debts and redundancy of these structures constructed for a specific purpose and time. Brazil will have a daunting task in this respect, as Rio De Janeiro has a vast economically vulnerable population, a common characteristic of any developing nation.

Therefore, it’s important for the local, the federal government and the private organizations to respect the rights and interests of these citizens during the macro planning for the event.

It’s essential for the host nations’ governments and the organizing committees to devise a strategy beyond the economic standpoint, i.e. the people prioritized over profit. Perhaps, Brazil could be the paradigm for future host nations in this crucial yet contentious issue as it is more likely that other developing nations might pursue the hosting of the popular event in the near future.

Good Luck and Best Wishes! to the Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the people of the Federal Republic of Brazil in their march towards greater progress and prosperity for them and the Americas.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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