Is The Future Of Sporting Competitions In Jeopardy?

An article that I came across in Foreign Policy would have you believe that it is. I am a student of international relations and that coupled with my love of huge international competitions, such as the World Cup, makes me raise an eyebrow at the good folks at Foreign Policy. The article argues that holding major competitions will only show off the countrys weaknesses. Regardless of the fact that the countries that will be listed in this article are not exactly the greatest nations on the earth, it is hard to believe that these sporting events will do worse for them.

Leading off the argument is the most recent major sporting event, the Summer Olympics. For my final project this past year, my group was tasked with finding events to effect US National Security over the next twenty four to thirty six months and the Olympics were on the list. We thought the Olympics would fail, due mostly to the relocation of a great deal of citizens. We were obviously wrong. The games came off without a hitch. The major concern with the games, and what stirred up most of the world, was the Tibet issue. I will withhold my opinion on that issue but those that want to argue the point should know that the riots occur every year. This years was just a better chance for the world to see what goes on on a yearly basis. I would bet that the eight Americans that were arrested for protesting will not have many new followers next year when the riots spring up again.

We also looked at the 2010 World Cup. The author seems to think that the games have been condemned for quite some time. I have kept an eye on the progress of the cup since January of this year and while it has had its share of setbacks, there is no reason to think that in the next two years the major issues cannot be resolved. Fifa officials met in South Africa back in May to assess the progress and give the go ahead nod for the Confederations Cup to be played next year. I remember this becaus I was on pins and needles up until the time I presented, wondering if I was going to have to scratch the event from our list of key findings. Another issues that the author addresses is the problem of electricity. The country has experienced rolling blackouts, however, we don't stop games in California when there are rolling blackouts. The energy problem is one that can be solved in the short term. The games last for a month, not several years. I am sure that the South African can keep the lights on for a month. A few more issues such as the HIV problem and violence against foreigners is not easily combated but they are not issues that should raise to high of a concern. Simply put, don't sleep with people that you don't know and stay away from the rough areas. All it takes is a bit of common sense to get around.

The other two major issues: the Winter Olympics in Russia in 2014 and the European Championships in Poland/Ukraine in 2012. The Olympics are set to be held in Sochi which is a fifteen minute drive from the current hot zone in Georgia. If there is one thing you can be sure of, the Russians will clamp down harder than the Chinese did on their own issues in the western part of the country. The other point is the European Championships in Poland. Out of the upcoming events listed, I would be worried about this even more than the others. The current tension with the US and Russia over the deployment of a missile defense shield will be a key point for safety when the games roll around in 2012.

Do all of these countries have issues? Sure. However, will holding off on hosting these events really help these countries. I don't think so. If anything, it will motivate the people in these countries to pull together for a common goal. And the last time I checked, there was nothing wrong with uniting a country.