Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Since their revival in 1896 hosting the Olympic Games have long been considered an immense honour for any city or country. After all, with up to four billion viewers, what better chance to showcase what your country has to offer?
Think of it as the ultimate bragging rights. The host city, and country, gets to impress the world with their culture, historical landmarks and infrastructure.
As well as that a successful hosting sends a strong message about the country’s standing on the international stage.
Tokyo used the 1964 Olympics to showcase a resurgent Japan, one that had recovered from the horrors of WW2.
China astonished the world with the dazzling showcase presented in Beijing 2008. The magnitude of the opening ceremony as well as the efficient staging of all sports events sent a clear message to the world that China was indeed a rising global power.
It is the same motive that drives our neighbours from Doha to repeatedly bid to become host city and why Qatar went for the FIFA World Cup Finals.
In a matter of days the Olympics will have a new home. For the first time in history, the Games will be held in South America, with Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro claiming this honour.
When Brazil was announced as hosts there was much hope we would witness a repeat of the highly-successful Beijing Olympics. What with Brazil’s stunning scenery, diverse culture and its growing economy it’s not hard to see why this rising power was granted the hosting decision.
However, seven years later all is not well. Preparations have been described as the ‘worst we’ve experienced’ by Olympic officials with numerous stadiums only being completed this year.
The Zika virus is rampant throughout Brazil, sparking fears of a potential global threat, and Rio has also been unable to deal with its rampant crime problems.
But I will still be watching the Games and look forward to seeing how Brazil chooses to showcase itself and hoping it succeeds in tackling the issues faced.
Bring on the Games and the competing athletes who can inspire the young around the world!
