Hosting an international sporting competition is an expensive event. Some think this money is wasted, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 Hosting an international sporting competition is an expensive event. Some think this money is wasted, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Vocabulary:

1. Extravagant:

   • Definition: Excessive or luxurious, often involving high costs.
   • Example sentence: Hosting an international sporting competition often involves extravagant expenditures on elaborate opening ceremonies and extravagant infrastructure.

2. Financial burden:

   • Definition: A heavy load or responsibility in terms of monetary expenses.
   • Example sentence: Some argue that hosting an international sporting competition places a significant financial burden on the host country, diverting funds that could be allocated to other pressing needs.

3. Return on investment:

   • Definition: The gain or benefit obtained from an expenditure.
   • Example sentence: Supporters of hosting international sporting competitions emphasize the potential economic and social returns on investment, such as increased tourism revenue and improved infrastructure.

4. Prestige:

   • Definition: Status, reputation, or importance associated with a particular event or action.
   • Example sentence: Hosting an international sporting competition can enhance the prestige and global recognition of the host country, attracting international attention and admiration.

5. Infrastructure development:

   • Definition: The construction or improvement of physical structures and facilities within a region or city.
   • Example sentence: One argument in favor of hosting international sporting competitions is the opportunity it provides for significant infrastructure development, such as the construction of modern stadiums and transportation systems.

6. National pride:

   • Definition: A sense of satisfaction and loyalty towards one's country.
   • Example sentence: Hosting an international sporting competition can foster a sense of national pride among citizens, as it showcases the country's capabilities and achievements on a global stage.

7. Legacy:

   • Definition: Something handed down or inherited from the past, often with long-lasting effects.
   • Example sentence: Supporters argue that hosting an international sporting competition can leave a positive legacy by boosting tourism, promoting sports participation, and stimulating the local economy even after the event concludes.

8. Diversion of resources:

   • Definition: The redirection of funds or attention from one purpose to another.
   • Example sentence: Critics claim that hosting an international sporting competition diverts resources that could be better allocated to areas such as education, healthcare, or poverty alleviation.

9. Cost overruns:

   • Definition: The situation in which the actual expenses exceed the initially estimated costs.
   • Example sentence: Critics often highlight the risk of cost overruns during the preparation and execution of hosting an international sporting competition, leading to financial strain and public discontent.

10. Opportunity cost:

• Definition: The value of the next best alternative that is forgone when a particular decision is made.
• Example sentence: Detractors argue that the resources invested in hosting an international sporting competition have an opportunity cost, as they could have been utilized for other purposes with potentially greater social or economic benefits.

Ideas:

View 1: Hosting an international sporting competition is a wasteful use of money.

1. Financial strain: Hosting such events requires substantial financial investment, which can burden the host country or city's economy, especially if the infrastructure and facilities built for the event become underutilized afterward.

2. Opportunity cost: The funds allocated for hosting an international sporting competition could be directed towards more pressing societal needs, such as education, healthcare, or poverty alleviation, which could have a more significant and immediate impact on the population.

3. Short-lived benefits: While the event itself may generate short-term economic gains through tourism and increased revenue, the benefits often taper off once the competition concludes, leaving behind unused or underutilized infrastructure and limited long-term economic benefits.

View 2: Hosting an international sporting competition provides significant advantages.

1. Economic stimulus: Hosting such an event can stimulate the local economy by attracting tourists, increasing consumer spending, and creating job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and transportation.

2. Infrastructure development: Preparing for an international sporting competition often involves constructing or upgrading infrastructure, such as stadiums, transportation networks, and accommodations. These developments can leave a lasting legacy by improving a city or country's infrastructure for future use and enhancing its attractiveness to investors and tourists.

3. Global exposure and reputation: Hosting an international sporting competition provides an opportunity for the host country or city to showcase its culture, attractions, and capabilities on a global stage, boosting its international profile and attracting investment, tourism, and future events.

Personal opinion: State your preference for one view while considering the merits of both perspectives. Provide a balanced and well-reasoned opinion based on the arguments presented.

Sample answer:

Hosting an international sporting competition is an expensive endeavor that elicits contrasting opinions. While some argue that the money invested in these events is wasteful, others contend that the benefits outweigh the costs. This essay will discuss both perspectives and present a balanced view.

On the one hand, those who perceive hosting an international sporting competition as wasteful emphasize the financial strain it places on the host country or city. The expenditures involved in building state-of-the-art stadiums, upgrading infrastructure, and providing necessary facilities can be exorbitant. For instance, Qatar, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, invested billions of dollars in constructing new stadiums and enhancing transportation systems. Critics argue that these funds could have been allocated to areas of greater immediate need, such as education or healthcare.

Moreover, detractors highlight the concept of opportunity cost. The resources channeled into hosting the event could have been directed towards societal issues that require urgent attention. For instance, in the case of Sochi, Russia, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, critics argued that the massive investment in sports facilities and infrastructure came at the expense of addressing poverty and improving social services in the region.

However, proponents of hosting international sporting competitions assert that the benefits justify the costs. Firstly, such events can serve as a catalyst for economic growth. The influx of visitors, media attention, and increased consumer spending can provide a significant boost to the local economy. For example, the 2016 Rio Olympics generated an estimated $9.7 billion in economic output for Brazil. The revenue from tourism, hospitality, and associated industries can create job opportunities and stimulate long-term economic development.

Additionally, hosting these events often necessitates substantial infrastructure development. The construction of stadiums, transportation networks, and accommodations can leave a lasting legacy for the host city or country. For instance, the 2012 London Olympics revitalized several neglected areas of the city, transforming them into vibrant cultural and recreational spaces. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract future investments and events, generating continued economic benefits.

Furthermore, hosting an international sporting competition provides an invaluable opportunity for global exposure and reputation building. The event acts as a platform for showcasing the host country's culture, attractions, and capabilities to a worldwide audience. This exposure can boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and foster diplomatic relations. South Africa, for instance, experienced a surge in tourism following the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, leading to increased revenue and job creation in the hospitality sector.

In conclusion, hosting an international sporting competition entails significant costs, leading to divergent opinions on the matter. While some perceive the investment as wasteful, others argue that the benefits outweigh the financial burden. It is crucial to strike a balance between prudent financial management and leveraging the opportunities that these events present. By carefully considering the economic, infrastructural, and reputational advantages, host countries can maximize the benefits and ensure a sustainable legacy for their societies.