What’s This About?South Korea has just chosen its city to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, but is it truly the honor it seems? The expenses of hosting the Olympics have risen significantly over time, making the benefits of doing so increasingly unclear. Let’s now explore whether the benefits outweigh the costs.
Constructive
Pro Peter
Hosting the Olympics brings benefits that will stimulate the host city’s development in the long run. One such benefit is the economic boost from increased tourism. The events draw in an influx of athletes, officials, reporters, sponsors, and spectators, increasing hotel occupancy, commerce, and activity in tourist attractions. And that’s not all. The Games drive infrastructure development, benefiting residents long after the Games’ end. Look at the way the London 2012 Olympics revitalized East London. The construction of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the event transformed a neglected area into a vibrant hub. Likewise, the Beijing 2008 Olympics introduced iconic venues like the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube alongside major metro expansions. These infrastructure projects often leave a lasting legacy, improving a city’s global reputation and long-term functionality.
Con Bella
Hosting the Olympic Games comes with enormous financial risks, and time has only shown us that the costs often outweigh the benefits. Hosting the Olympics costs cities tens of billions of dollars, with infrastructure costs ranging from $5 billion to $50 billion. Every Olympic Games since 1960 has run over initial budgets at an average of 172 percent, leaving many countries in massive debt. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is one such example. Originally estimated at $7 billion, it ultimately cost around $13 billion, with some reports suggesting even higher figures. And even that is second to the current record-holder for the most expensive Games – the Sochi 2014 Olympics, which cost approximately $55 billion. These massive expenses often burden taxpayers for decades, diverting funds from essential services like education, healthcare, and housing.
Rebuttal
Pro Peter
While the Olympic Games are undoubtedly costly to host, cities that plan strategically – by repurposing existing venues and securing private funding – can mitigate financial risks. Los Angeles 1984 is a prime example of a profitable Olympics, generating a surplus through sponsorships and careful budgeting. Additionally, hosting the Olympic Games brings intangible benefits such as inspiring national pride and unity and fostering cultural exchange. Hosting the Olympics is a chance for the city and the country to showcase their culture, achievements, and hospitality on a global stage, making names for themselves. It also brings people together, promoting unity and camaraderie as communities rally behind their teams and welcome visitors from around the world. This collective experience strengthens the national spirit and leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration and togetherness.
Con Bella
The argument that the Olympics boosts tourism is misleading. Studies show that while there is a temporary surge, regular tourists avoid host cities during the Games due to high prices and congestion, limiting economic gains. Likewise, the benefits of the Olympic infrastructure projects are often exaggerated. Look at post-Olympics Greece. Athens 2004 spurred extensive infrastructure projects in Greece, including a new airport, expanded metro and tram systems, and new roads, which exceeded the budget. Worse, many Olympic facilities were left underused or abandoned afterward due to a lack of maintenance. Olympic infrastructure projects also often lead to the displacement of people, as seen in Rio 2016, where organizers pushed thousands to relocate to make way for new stadiums and facilities. The promised economic revival never occurred, leaving many communities worse off.
Judge’s Comments
While hosting the Olympics brings opportunities and prestige, we cannot ignore the potential high costs and financial burdens. Ultimately, the decision depends on a country’s ability to manage resources effectively. If planned wisely, the Games can leave a lasting positive legacy, making the investment worthwhile.