PHED 3 Contemporary Issues in Sport World Games A2 PE PHED 3 Contemporary Issues in Sport World Games

What is the nature of world games? What impact do world games have?

Starter Activity Try to list all the Olympic cities and the year they staged the Olympics e.g.: London -1908, 1948, 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_Games_ host_cities

World Games Level of competition beyond their own national boundaries Coming together of elite athletes and teams to compete. World level Continental level Regional level Single Sport Multi-sport Football- FIFA World Cup Olympics Hockey- Champions Trophy Paralympics Rugby- Heineken Cup Commonwealth Games Gymnastics- African Championships Pan American Games Badminton- IBAD (International Badminton association for disabled ) European Championships All-Africa Games Special Olympics Latin America games

Characteristics of world games Will vary to do with the size and popularity of the competition Olympics- 11,000 athletes, 3.5 million spectators, £20bn and 50,000 volunteers Typical characteristics can be identified:- Elite performers Often require qualification (or pre set standard) Shop window for country hosting the event Highly commercialised Sponsorship and selling the franchise Infrastructure development (if large) Transport, living accommodation, hotels etc. Large numbers of spectators Development of sports facilities

1936 Berlin Olympics 1972 Munich Olympics Cathy Freeman – 2000 Olympics

The Olympic Ideal The Olympic Charter – ‘ To contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play’ Amateurism Early Olympics were for amateurs only De Coubertin was following the ethics and values of English Public Schools Gentleman Amateur competed to test himself and for the love of sport not financial reward Early competitors were upper or middle class Fair play was an essential part of the Games philosophy Taking part fairly was considered more important than winning Practising or training was seen as almost as bad as cheating It showed too much emphasis on wanting to win

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Main organising body for the Olympics – Summer and Winter Decides which city will host each games IOC members vote for their preferred choice It tries to manage the commercial side of the Games while still sticking to the original ideals as much as possible It owns all the rights to Olympic symbols, flag, motto, anthem etc The British Olympic Organisation (BOA) Main organising body for British Olympic teams Works on Olympic Bids e.g. bidding for 2012 Raises funds from government and sponsors Manages teams – travel, training camps, kit, support etc

Impact of World Games Individuals Country Government

Individuals Michael Phelps Performers are highly motivated to succeed Test themselves against the best Wish to fulfil their potential Pride and satisfaction from representing country Meeting expectation of significant others Potentially leading to a career as a professional performer Spectators Inspired by role models Sense of pride in national performance Team GB Unfortunately there are many reasons why someone may not make it to the world games stage despite having the necessary ability… Lack self discipline to make necessary sacrifices Lack motivation to push performance boundaries Lack the financial, coaching or technical support Injury Decide on another career path Temptation to break rules- leading to suspension

Country Impact on the country can be split into cultural, social and economic. Cultural Emphasis placed on desire to be successful Demonstrated by the resources which are devoted to achieve Reflected by the media People who do well become national heroes Social Ability to unite a nation Beijing Controversy over international criticism of government’s record of human rights Unite the nation behind the current government National pride at hosting event

Olympic legacy- What happens when the games leave? Country (Continued) Olympic legacy- What happens when the games leave? Economics World games can have a huge economic affect on a country. People seek to host for the following potential benefits:- Places country in limelight- Show window effect Encourages financial investment Tourism Stimulus for development of sport facilities Increasing levels of participation (AS) Infrastructure development- Roads, public transport etc. Focus for regional regeneration However many countries have suffered significant difficulties:- Cost can far exceed revenue leaving debts to pay off- Montreal Facilities of end up unused, wrong location or wrong design for long-term Construction delays in run up to event damaging India Commonwealth games If event doesn’t run smoothly brings negative press coverage

Government Bids are generally supported by governments in the hope bringing long term benefits to the country Can also be used to Demonstrate the effectiveness of their political philosophy USA and Russia during the cold war (60s and 70s) Chinese government stated that Beijing would help with the development of human rights Did it? -Amnesty international reported protestors were arrested A Government’s own future can be severely affected by hosting a world games:- Increase in popularity after a successful bid/games Unifying an un-popular government Beijing- Many Chinese supported the government after protestors affected Torch relay Protests Lose support if games are unsuccessful Disruption to lives Over spending leading to Tax payments