Major international sporting events such as the Olympic Games can significantly increase sporting engagement not only in the host country but also internationally, leading to more physical activity and better public health outcomes, shows economist‘ latest poll.
The study examined how major sporting events, particularly the Olympic Games, can influence public participation in recreational sport. It found that these events often lead to increased interest in physical activity, boosted by media coverage, excitement surrounding the Games and the development of new sports facilities.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games, for example, aim to promote daily physical activity in French primary schools – a move similar to successful initiatives in Hungary.
The publication highlights that the Olympic Games and similar major events can have lasting positive impacts through the promotion of physical activity and the development of sports infrastructure. New facilities built for these events often become a community asset and encourage ongoing sporting engagement. This infrastructure, along with media coverage and campaigns, can help maintain interest in sport long after the events have ended.
The London 2012 Olympic Games left a lasting mark, with over a million people visiting the Olympic Park each year and 106 community facilities being upgraded, benefiting 400,000 citizens. The 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia led to a 20% increase in junior registrations, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, saw a significant increase in participation by female athletes. UEFA’s investment in grassroots football (any level of football that is not professional and elite in nature) have reached millions of children across Europe and demonstrated how sustainable investment in infrastructure and support can lead to increased participation in sport.
The study underlines the potential of major sporting events to sustainably increase participation in grassroots sport.
However, for this effect to be sustainable, countries must continue to invest in accessible sports infrastructure, targeted campaigns and community programs to convert the temporary increase in interest generated by these events into long-term public health benefits.
About Oeconomus; Featured image: Pixabay
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