Sport and Society: Global Sporting Events

Understand the significant influence of global sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup on promoting sports participation worldwide.
Be aware of the term ‘legacy’, which refers to the long-term benefits and outcomes, both material and non-material, resulting from hosting large scale sporting events.
Learn about the economic impact of these events, including job creation, increased tourism and infrastructure development. Note the potential for overestimation of these benefits.
Recognise the unifying potential of global sporting events, as they can foster a sense of community and national identity. Conversely, consider the potential for increased tension and division.
Acknowledge the political implications of such events, which can be used for international prestige or to divert attention from domestic issues.

Comprehend the issues of corruption that can be involved in awarding hosting rights to countries; for instance, the controversies surrounding FIFA’s decision-making processes.
Understand human rights issues that have been associated with global events, such as labor exploitation in the construction of sporting infrastructure.
Recognise the problem of doping and the use of performance enhancing drugs, which challenges sporting integrity and creates health risks.
Realise the impact of match fixing and betting scandals on the credibility of sports.

Appreciate the role of media in shaping perceptions of global sporting events, including the portrayal of athletes and nations.
Understand the concept of media rights and how they generate significant revenue for event organisers.
Note the impact of sponsors and corporate partnerships on the staging of these events and how they may influence event decisions.
Recognise the role of merchandising as a method of generating money and promoting the event or sport.

Appreciate the concept of sustainability as relating not only to environmental concerns, but also those of economic and social equity.
Comprehend the calls for greening global sporting events by ensuring minimal environmental damage in the preparation and conduct of these events.
Note the importance of legacy planning to ensure the benefits of hosting a global sporting event continue long after the event has ended.
Consider the social impact of these events, including displacement of populations, impact on affordable housing and social inequalities.