Rio will be hosting the 2016 Olympics! We’re discussing this now on our programme. What do you think of the result?
Mark says that as a Londoner, he can well remember the joy around the city when London found out it had won the 2012 bid.
It didn’t take long for the joy to evaporate. The day after the announcement came the 7/7 suicide bomb attacks…..and as for the Olympics, there were plenty of rows about funding and whether the rest of the country feels involved.
At their best the Olympics improve tourism, regenerate neglected areas and inspire children to take up sports.
At the other end of the scale they can leave a city in debt for generations.
Each previous host city has their own Olympic legacy.
The Athens Olympics left Greece with a huge national debt and buildings left empty and neglected.
The Sydney Olympics were a source of national pride of Australians and were herald as one of the best organized. We wait to see what London’s legacy will be.
So are the Olympics a blessing or curse for the chosen city? Do you want the Games in your city ? If you’re in one of the potential host cities, what’s the mood ? And isn’t it about time that the Games went to South America and one day, Africa ?
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BBC World Have Your Say 
I know that you are talking about the summer Olympics but the winter Olympics are soon to descend on Vancouver and I can say that we as a city are facing a 50 million dollar deficit thanks to the games.
My question is why is it the city’s ultimate responsibility to bear the cost of the games? The IOC with all their clout could and should fund-raise for the events that they host.
My gut feeling is with Brazil.
Helped by their deep water oil finds…..and other exports….they have risen sharply as an economy and hence as a emerging power……the most internationally well aligned and non-controversial of Latin american nations, with first world like facilities for tourists and a holiday destination anyway….Brazil has a lot going in it’s favor.
And if Olympic Association also has an unspoken objective of spreading it’s footprint on that continent…..Brazil is a natural fit.
As a Chicagoan I can tell you that it’s about 50-50 for and against wanting the games here. Many are worried about the potential financial impact and others are concerned about the effect on our already over-burdened transportation systems. Still, I can tell you that visitors will enjoy our very diverse city with its wonderful architecture, world-class restaurants and museums, terrific music scene (especially blues music), beautiful lakeshore and generally friendly citizens.
What was the problem with the 1996 games in Atlanta?
I’m just curious, not defensive. I don’t recall hearing anything being particularly bad. Did the US media paper over some serious issues? I wouldn’t be surprised if a southern city, which tend to be designed as if anybody who wants to travel more than 10 meters without a car is nuts, would be found wanting by folks from outside the US.
I don’t particularly care which of these cities get the games, although I generally favor games in my hemisphere so that I can watch them live without sleep deprivation. Any chance that will be a factor?
Anyway, either Rio or Chicago are fine by me.
No. This quadrennial and proudly corporate charade must have been what Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote “Much Ado About Nothing.”
The Olympic Games had never taken place in South America, the only continent left.
Given the rising economy of Brazil, it seems only fair that Rio be offered the opportunity to organise the Games in 2016.
No, the government would raise taxes to pay for all the ‘infrastructure improvements’ required for compliance. The money would go companies owned by friends, relatives, and other politicians. Then the taxes would never go down because now we would need to maintain buildings and systems we no longer need. And all of this would be done to sell commercials and get athletic wear endorsements for the ‘amateur’ athletes. I *really* hope it never comes here.
The spirit of the Olympics died with its first TV broadcast in the early 1980s. Now it is only about money.
RE “” My question is why is it the city’s ultimate responsibility to bear the cost of the games? “”
——————————————————————————–
—————— Need to hold your voters responsible for assuming what is in essence an open ended charge of costs.
As long as the majority of voters vote into office current politicians, unless you plan on bringing a huge class action suit against the political body or starting a revolution, the rest of the citizens just have to bite the bullet until the next election cycle.
I’d think after the travesties of the 2008 Chinese games, the IOC would be too ashamed to rear their ugly heads again, but they are utterly shameless. Worse, one can scarcely fathom the illicit flurries of political payoffs and backroom maneuverings of the infamous Chicago political machine if they get the Olympics.
Hello,
Helen here. Have a look at this article.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/2016-olympics-windy-city-holds-its-breath-1795754.html
It looks at the pros and cons for Chicago if they win the 2016 Olympic Games bid.
What do you think? Is being an Olympic Games host city a blessing or curse?
nate, where do you start with Atlanta ? Appallingly organised – the volunteers were largely from out of the city so people were getting lost- most importantly the athletes – but also visitors and yes, journalists. The commercialisation was rampant ( i know you can say that for many Games), there was little respect for the parts of Atlanta which weren’t owned by Coca Cola or leased to the IOC – t shirt sellers near Martin Luther King’s church complained no-one came to visit because it wasn’t publicised- and the tv coverage was sent up brilliantly in a Time magazine cartoon in which an announcer said “news just in – there are OTHER nations competing in the Olympics”….and don’t get me started on the offensive-to-many pick up trucks in the opening ceremony. Having been to 4 Olympics- – and looking forward to my 5th in our city- i would say Sydney got it spot on. Those even older than me rated Barcelona highly too.
And if you’re worried it’s a sneery view from someone who isn’t from the U.S, all my colleagues in the U.S media say they felt embarassed by Atlanta.
and just a reminder, the Games are awarded to a city , not a country.
I’m rooting for Rio, although I’m originally from Chicago and that would be cool too.
When the Olympics were here in Salt Lake City, it went very well and made a great name for us. Unless you lived here. We got downtown one day, waited in lines that were so long we hardly got to see or do anything and froze our patooties off in the process. No doubt, it was exciting, and the city was high-spirited during that time. Then came the clean up. We were left with an unlit torch and several structures that sit uselessly. The Olympic Park in Park City is still here – that’s fun, as are some other outdoor sports .places. The best part was meeting people from everywhere (we are a very outgoing family, and will start conversations with almost anyone). Was the expense worth it? I don’t know. Most of the people I know work, are in school, etc, and couldn’t take advantage of the Olympic presence.
I’d vote for Rio. Olympics, Carnaval, and who knows what else, makes for a great party!
I’d love to see the shock in people’s faces if Japan wins it and they find out how much their cab fare is from Narita to Tokyo….. I’m not too sure, but if it were in Rio, what is the temperature like in July/august there, that must be their fall, not their summer, in the southern hemisphere. Shouldn’t the summer games be played in Summer?
This just in. Andrew Jennings will be on the programme
tomorrow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jennings
I was living in Sydney (my home town) when the 2000 Summer Olympics were held. It was a fantastic time for most Sydney-siders and visitors alike – great weather and a reasonably well-run event etc. The government encouraged locals to take holidays, which took some of the pressure off very congested roadways – it was one of the major concerns. Having said that, there is a financial impact, the viability of facilities after the games, the maintenance of venues and so on.
It seems interesting that the IOC see fit to lump the cost on the hosting city and its inhabitants – that way the IOC can spend their funds on first class tickets, expensive hotels and endless fancy dinners. Whichever city gets the gong, I wish them the best of luck – it is a thankless task – made no easier by the IOC and their abdication of responsibility.
I don’t think this is a good time for the US to get the Olympics at all. The argumentsagainst I’ve read all make good points. We really don’t need it at this time and it couldeven be an economic disaster. I like the idea of Brazil getting it. Seems only fair, really. Don’t get me wrong – I love the Olympics. Not sure why, but I do get excited about them. I’ll get just as excited if they are in Brazil – maybe more so.
“Do you want the Games in your city ?”
No. I don’t to get stuck with the tax bill.
The Olympics is a business, they don’t bring money, they take it away.
I like sports but I’d like to see a different model that doesn’t exploit the hosting people and the athletes, or at least exploits them less.
My prediction? Rio will get it.
Chicago is in the States. And they have too many problems (the economy, lousy immigration treatment of visitors, etc.).
Mardrid is out because Spain is in a depression.
And Tokyo has even worse debt problems than the States. As great as it is, would YOU give them the Games?
Tokyo seems to have the lowest public support of any of the four cities and the campaign here has really been a push. No one seemed to have a strong opinion one way or the other until about yesterday. The Olympic bid seemed to come out of left field and the TOCOG never really made it’s case very clear – the slogan being 「日本だから、できる」, or “We’re Japan, so we can do it,” which is vague and weak at best.
The Olympics would exacerbate most of Tokyo’s long-term problems and would provide no benefit that anyone, least of all the TOCOG, has been able to explain clearly.
Financially, environmentally, and even for human rights, the Olympics are usually really bad news.
A breakdown of why hosting the Games would be bad for Tokyo is here: http://www.transpacificradio.com/2009/10/01/olympic-decision-tomorrow-say-no-to-tokyo/
Even though I’m an American, I’d love to see Rio get it.
However, I am torn. I think Chicago would also be a great place. I understand why the Obamas went to support the bid and don’t have a problem with it. However, if Chicago loses the bid, all Obama’s enemies will say he wasted political capital on it and that he’s weak. It’s so frustrating. I don’t think he’s weak, I just think Rio should get it, everything else being equal.
It would be very exciting for Brazil to host the Olympics. They’d throw the most amazing party. Plus, they are now players on the international stage and should have their moment in the sun.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
As an American and as much as I would delight if the Olympics were staged in Chicago, I think it is most appropriate for Brazil to be selected as its host. Brazil is part of the BRIC group… Russia is hosting the winter Olympics, Brazil should be the summer venue. Latin America, like Africa is often perceived as the poor sister that cannot compete with “the North”. I think it is time to put Latin America on the world stage as an equal. (The crime in Rio puts me off a bit, but maybe hosting the Olympics would motivate the government to get crime under control… thereby benefiting Rio’s citizens long into the future.)
There is no doubt that sports is the end of international politics. Like politics, the winner in sports takes the shield, smilling, celebrating and receiving cheers from fans while the losers lick the wounds and nail biting, ruminating as to what has gone wrong. However, unlike politics, sports is not a do or die affair. A winner will emerge but the loser should, as it is expected of every sportman, woman or even now nation, take such defeat in a sportsman’s like manner. There should be no skin pain to, but we expect a cheerful hand shake to and from the contestants.
Maybe its just me, but it seems wrong that the US is trying to host the games again already. The games in Atlanta were only 10 or so years ago. The rest of the world should have its chance to shine. These aren’t the America games, they are the Olympics. I hope Rio or Tokyo gets them. Spain has been host to a games in recent memory as well, no?
Not everyone in Chicago would welcome the games. Have a read of this article ‘Help Save Or City’ written by Kevin who lives in Chicago.
http://www.stealthfusion.com/forum/critics/6178-help-save-our-city-request-passed-hillbuzz-com.html
He will be speaking to us on the programme later.
Helen
Hi WHYS,
What Obama wants, Obama gets. He wants the five-ring circus in Chi Town and that’s what’s gonna happen.
I wish some sense prevails though and it goes to Rio instead.
I want it to be Rio. I think South America needs a good showing, and this is the stage in which to do it. I would also love nothing more than to see obama get egg on his face for going all the way to Copenhagen to get NOTHING.
I hope for Madrid or Rio de Janeiro, but MAdrid hasn’t got any chance i fear. Three times in a row in Europe is a bit to much. But i think this is the best chance for Rio to get the games.
Another American here. My hope is that Rio will win and host the games. South America deserves a chance to host and Rio is a fabulous city.
I’d have no problem with Madrid or Tokyo.
But Chicago? No thanks. Chicago is utterly and hopelessly corrupt.
To me, it doesn’t seem very fair if Chicago were to receive the games. There have already been (or will be) several games in the area.
If the Olympic Games are truly about spreading goodwill and bringing diverse peoples together, then it should be held in different geographical areas.
Who gives a damn? I thought The Olympics was about amatuer sport? What do we see but commercial and political interest being served. Surely it should be tax payers who have the final say? Democracy is disappearing in The “west” too!
WHO CARES!
I don’t care about this nonsense.
So these people spend their whole life trying to be millisecond faster etc than someone else. Well have fun with that!
.
YES Stephen! It ‘s the ultimate kitsch-fest – and with all the steroid popping and nationalistic posturing, we really shouldn’t be worrying our pretty little heads about it.
Obama has had his…. it’s time for rio to get theirs!
Well, NPR here in the states is reporting that Chicago has been eliminated in the first round of voting.
I would like it to be Río.
Although, there are more chances that I can attend the Olympics if Chicago is the host, given that I live closer to Chicago than to Río.
10:46 CST here in the States. Chicago is out. I’m still going with Rio.
Since the Games always create a huge long-term financial burden, how will Tokyo or Madrid handle that (considering their current severe economic problems)?
By comparison, Brazil is in much better shape. And, it would be a nice change of pace to have the Games in South America.
On the subject of circuses, I thought it was no longer acceptable to have performing animals – maybe these poor Olympic exhibits should be liberated – to the barricades everyone…………….
The southern hemisphere should be off limits for the summer games, as it’s not summer down there when it’s summer up here.
Brasil is the logical choice.
In 2014, they will host the World Cup soccer tournament. Infrastructure for that event, even though it will take place in many other cities besides Rio, will no doubt assist organization of the Olympic games.
With regards to winter in the Southern hemisphere, South American athletes always have to compete during the summer in other locales. So I don’t buy the logic of that argument. Turnabout is fair play. 😉
Just announced it’s Rio.
Good.
Outstanding!
Congratulations to Rio!!!
Yay Rio!!!!
I wonder if the world will have changed so much by 2016 that the games won’t matter much: Perhaps the global economy will continue to tank? Perhaps climate change will force such massive changes in energy, travel, construction that it will be financially infeasible? When will our collapsing civilization (economy, environment, climate change) make the Olympics unimportant compared to dealing with other issues?
Imagine S.America have never host Olympic since it creation “now is their time”,i hopes & wish Rio all the best to host 2016.Europe is a one continent that will soon host 2012 and i believe giving them the second one will be very disappointing to the whole world.Sports needs a full balancing.
Sydney, Australia, hosted the summer games, they just change the dates to fit the southern hemisphere.
I wonder if Portillo, Chile, will ever host the winter games.
I wonder if Brazil will level all the Favellas in Rio to hide them from eyes of tourists? I’m sure they’ll suspend the death squads from killing homeless kids during the olympics.
My comments are disappearing? Anyways, YAY RIO!!!!
Yeah, congrats, Rio, I wish you well in this!
Trivia question: What is the only european country that borders Brazil?
France. They also have a border with Canada.
There is LOTS of poverty in Brazil. There is lots of crime. We’ve had shows on WHYS that the US shouldn’t fund Nasa because there are starving people. So why is a poor nation like Brazil wasting money on the Olympics when there are lots and lots of people living in poverty there?
It does bring in quite a bit of money and infrastructure developments will happen. They could use it. In a developed city, it interferes with established systems. It is usually a plus to a poorer city.
So much for Obama and the environment. Both and and his wife took different flights just to push for Chicago? Think of all the CO2 those flights emitted.
Awsome.
I think that Rio is the best choice from a successful financial point of view.
Brazil is already one of the world’s best destinations for a wide variety of offerings.
The Olympics is just an additional reason for the rest of the world to flock there.
The IOC is a business, so their decision will relate to how much money they will make from a games in Rio.
It is a money decision.
Congratualtions to Rio !!
I am not surprised and would have been had it been otherwise
How can anyone who puts on such an event claim they are in any way green. It is just not possible, whether it is people who fly there to compete, the spectators, the resources needed to build infrastructure and every other detail associated with them. Yes they are something that brings the world together but to say that they are not impacting on the world negatively is a lie and those who believe it are just fooling themselves to assuage their guilt about such a blatant display of consumerism and waste. But hey what can ya do? After all such an event will never be called off for the sake of the environment, like everthing we do, it will cost us in the long run, but at least it is better than destruction and the billions in that industry.
i am very pleased that rio was chosen to host the 2016 olympic games. it appears that everyone there is happy and it is a very beautiful city, which i hope to visit someday.
Another let-down for Oabama…who flew in to Copenhagen….and resulted in Chicago being eliminated first
Rio deserves hosting the Olympics. Brazil is outstandingly a sport enthusiast. Thus will ensure the success of the games at all levels. But the biggest challenge will be combating crimes as Rio is notorious for kidnapping and other forms of felony.
Gee… where would I chose to go for two weeks – Chicago or Rio?
Is this a trick question?
I should say way to go Rio! But, this is a huge expensive undertaking!
The Olympics are an anachronism,their 19th Century take on proto Western Civilisation ideals are passe.
Democratic leaders pandering to the IOC is unpalatable,what is funny the IOC are annoyed they are no longer the centre of attention at their own event.
the ego has landed with a thump. Obama failed and has been rejected by the
world by way of the IOC Obama embodied weakness and that was on full
display in Copenhagen. The city and citizens of Chicago did not want the
Olympics and fortunately for the US tax payer and the need for Obama to fail
Chicago did not get them. No one but the corrupt daily machine would have
benefited from the Olympics. Corruption should not be rewarded and by
virtue of the IOC it won’t. This was not the presidents pitch to make and
from this monumental failure One can only conclude that the united states is
being governed by an imbecile with a mars sized ego which just hit the
ground with a thump.
Ray T. Mahorney
WA4WGA
M0WGA
Ray, I’m sure Obama tried his best..is not referring to him as ‘imbecile’ rather disrespectful??
Montreal paid it all off in December 2006, or so they say…
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2006/12/19/qc-olympicstadium.html
And with reference to our former mayor (“the Olympics can no more lose money than a man can get pregnant”), was it not just this past year that a man did indeed give birth?
Andrew. How long did the Greeks take to pay for the facilities in Athens????
We will flock to Rio for the Olympics and the World Cup. Not to any of the other cities.
My friend’s wife is from Brazil. When he and her visit her family there, her family has to have bodyguards because it’s so dangerous there.
Even US has crime too,dont u note that? or is it just envy?
It has never been a big surprise that RIO is going to host these games in 2016. We all knew it two to three years ago. So, I really don’t understand the whole show. The money and time the other rival cities had waisted to this show amazes me very much.
The IOC doesn’t even pay the workers, they demand that people “volunteer” to work at the games. That is as close as the poor people of Rio will get to the Games, as exploited cheap labor.
Listening to(or trying to) this show today has proven to me NOT to use skyp or whatever VOIP, as some of your guests were using! I am a Montrealer who worked in the Big Owe during the Games of 1976, and that incomplete stadium was an embarrassment to me! By the way, the astronomical cost had nothing to do with civic infrastructure, despite the comment by one of your uninformed guests.
I’d be ecstatic if the Olympics came to San Fernando,Trinidad!But when the financial issues arises,what then?.I TOTALLY agree,it’s high time the games went to South Africa or South America,I’d be delighted to see this sometime in the future:-)
The people of Brazil and in particular Rio, have my deepest sympathy
ag
Its time the games were returned permanently to Greece and all participating countries charged for entry. Then there would be no more “politiicising” or political boycotting. A special permanent Olympic park could be built and the games returned to the original format of “highedt strongest fastest” and get rid of all these stupid “subjective activities” where judges have to decide who is best (such as synchronised swimming or dressage) and where the marking sometimes is very suspicious. The games will then become once more TRUE OLYMPIADS
Yes Bristle I agree!
That would take us back to the original essentials of the Olympics, as well as eliminate all the financial burden of REbuilding olympic structures/villages every four years! It would eliminate the commercialism of it-a neo-liberal/capitalism-gone-wild development that has penetrated our lives in the west especially all too deeply. It would cut at its get-go political corruption, or at least completely narrow it down to Greece.
I mean, how idiosyncratic is that, to build all infrastructure from the beginning every time, which is money and pollution that could had been used on something else….. I think you nailed it Bristle.
Chicago
p.s. and props to those who brought up Dailey corruption in Chicago- it’s just unfathomable! This guy contracted a private parking company to erect new parking-pay machines and take over the ticketing process in the whole Chicago area, last year. A parking ticket in CHicago is $50, which doubles in 2-3 weeks or so now. Ticket issuing personnel is dutifully on every corner of all streets all day long. Dailey signed a 75 year contract- payout of I am not sure how many bilions dollars: and guess what? He signed this contract last year, and ALREADY used up half that money?! Have you ever heard or real estate taxes going up 300%?! Neither did I until I’ve seen several recent tax bills. It is just so deeply corrupted here.
Kudos to IOC that they did not let themselves be intimidated by Obama and his entouragee.
Hopefully this failure of one bloated ego will make politicians think twice about messing with the Olympics which should be free of politics as much as reasonably possible.
I am happy rio won, getting visas to chicago is realy hard. Nairobi.
Rio was a best choice. Certainly from the prespective of the people who travel to the games just to watch them. Given the beaches of Rio, I think the choice is clear. Plus, it’s about time a South American city has won the honors of hosting.
Congratulaions to Rio De jenerio.It is about time a south american nation host the olympic.Lookf roward to visiting that part of the world in 2016.
The bid went to Rio, and this now leaves Mayor Daley in a touchy situation. He will now have to find some other way to run Blacks out of Chicago.
Are the Olympics a poison chalice? Yes. I’m sure the poor in Rio will be ‘moved on’ and hidden from the eyes of visitors, the locals won’t be able to afford the ticket prices, security checks will increase local paranoia and the ratepayers as a whole will be saddled with a massive debt.
What is there to celebrate?
Rio is a major party city! A perfect choice!
Though Chi-town is only about a three hour drive from here, they just take themselves waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too seriously. (And like the architecture, the weather is a little too cold there. Not bad blood or anything…I’m just sayin’…)
Congrats Rio! The Athletes will have a blast there!
–Louisville, Kentucky, US.
I am a Brazilian, and Rio is a fantastic resort. Brazil is living a new epoch in its history. And we are glad to receive it, and the Football World Cup in 2014. We are part also of this globe. I think if the developed world give a chance to the third world we would be a much better civilization. Ok we are nigers and indians in the white supremacist ideology, but we are living beings exactly as you.
Although I am throroughly bored by professional and collegiate sports, always have been, and never watch them on TV (let alone in person), I LOVE the Olympics. Not sure why. Maybe because it combines competitions between individual athletes and an international flavor.
Hooray for Rio. Excellent choice. Let the party begin.
I think it is wonderful that Rio was chosen. It will expose US citizens to a culture most are only remotely aware of. My sympathies to Chicago, but it’s the city of big shoulders and can weather this easily. Already making my vacation plans for South America!
Braed, not circuses.
Here’s one canadian who laments the Olympics comiing here. The Olympic ideal is nobel, but in reality, the Games hurt the poorest of the poor: forced out of their low-rent accomodation; dispossed; budgets to food banks and charitable organisations slashed to pay for the elite athletes… And a 20 year debt. Rio is already impoverished: the poor in the barios have nothing to celebrate in this announcement.
Yeah, Rio!!! I was hoping it would be them. Cool!
I’m too happy for South America and heartily congratulate them; they rightfully deserved to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. And, who knows, even Africa may be in a fit state to bid for hosting the 2020 Olympics or the next to that; And, by the way, I personally would like to talk/bid more in favor of Africa (as a Continent) and not only South Africa.
Chicago is in a state of financial free fall. It is truly a blessing that Chicago did not get the Olympics. It would only make the rich and the builders happy here There is very limited infrastructure improvements being done, only cosmetic touches to make Chicago look “pretty”. Since Daley only makes promises and does anything to make himself look good, very few people will take him at his word
I’m fine with Rio De Janeiro..who knows that, may be, with the Olympics they might turn over a new leaf??
the IOC should make the criterion for their decision know. or maybe in the spirit of transparency, have certain known guidelines for voting for a country. this will make the canvassing of the games easier on the potential countries as well as fairer. i am happy for Rio, but sad that some countries are throwing uncalled accusations of IOC being paid off. our world has a long way to go still.
change is just like power of nature ie, earthquake,typhoons etc.when it decides to come at you or to you…there will be no stopping it using excuses and fears.
tambua village(TV),
hamisi,vihiga,kenya.
I believe that Rio is a good chioce for the Olympic Games,and if the Brazilians show the same passion which they have towards football, then their staging of the games will be one to remember.
I think that the IOC should buy or lease an unihabited island or bulid one to make it the Olympic home from now on. The could still get Countrys to sponser each olympic games. Ether that or they should award the games to a country rather than a particula city the olympic cost have spiraled up so it is beyond any one citys ablity to pay for it they can spread the games over a entire country thus spreading the burden so it is not al conctrate in one place.
Predictable.
I live in the next home of the Winter Olympics (Vancouver, 2010) and bitterly resent that fact. The Olympics boondoggle is leaving us with a $60,000,000 shortfall in our CITY finances, never mind the cost to the province and the country as a whole.
It seems the pattern is fixed. Olympics boosters (politicians, sports officials, construction industry, et al) agitate frantically to host the games. They lie through their teeth, with a conniving wink at each other, about the expected costs. The taxpayers and residents of the city cursed with the Olympics are left to pick up the pieces as the real costs unfolds in dribs and drabs, suffer under the free-speech censorship imposed by the IOC and then pay for years or decades so that a collection of pampered officials and assorted duplicitous short-term politicians can stick their snouts in the public trough.
Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid: be grateful. Very grateful. Rio: brace yourselves.
I think it is a very good thing that Rio was awarded the 2016 Olympic host city!! There is a need to demonstrate what the Olympic spirit is suppose to be about. I myself would of like to see Chicago to get the 2016 games,but I truly believe the Olympic spirit needs to shine in though in all parts of the WORLD!!! I am encouraged by the IOC has a body of open-mind people. Congratulations BRASIL!! And I hope to see the Olympic games are hosted by an African nation in 2020!! To Truly show what the Olympic movement is all about!! Possibly in Kenya or South Africa!!
As a brazilian I´m very proud that Rio had been chosen as the Olympics host for 2016!
We´ll make it ! We´ll love it ! Otherwise, we´ll pay a lot of taxes!
André – São Paulo/SP/Brazil
Out of all four cities, Rio is in the best postion overall to deal with the costs of staging it (and the costs afterwards).
Tokyo is too expensive.
Madrid is in the middle of a depression.
And even the UltraCoolness of Obama wasn’t enough to overcome the States problems (crime, horrible treatment of visitors by immigration and others).
Congrats to the fine people of Rio….For winning the Olympics for 2016!!!!!
~Dennis Junior~
Do you think Rio would take the 2012 games as well? As a London resident I’m stuck with a 10 year council tax bill to pay for a load of tosh in which I have no interest, and it will dominate the TV and newspapers to the exclusion of anything else worthwhile when it hits town.
So are the Olympics a blessing or curse for the chosen city? (Both, a curse and a blessing for the city chosen)
Do you want the Games in your city ? (No)
~Dennis Junior~
I heard a report on Saturday that Rio bid three times as much as Madrid for the games, so apparently it is just a business money decision.
I wonder how much money each member of the IOC makes or how they benefit otherwise, or where the money goes. Has anyone ever traced out the money flow? Realty companies? Construction contractors? Bankers? Travel companies? Airlines? Hotels? Sponsors of athletic shoes, apparel, and equipment?
And of course, who ends up paying, who loses and gets stuck with the bills and any other losses, like their homes, properties, small businesses, etc?
Big party! I think a lot of Brazilians sort of doubt that Brazil can actually organise anything and now we have both the world cup and the Olympics. Brazil is an emerging superpower and powerhouse of the South American economies and is flexing its muscle politically, many of the reasons behind China´s successful games bid. Another is that Brazil´s tourist industry needs a boost – there were more Scandinavians in one Thai resort on tsunami day than visit Brazil in a whole year, this despite beautiful weather, good food and friendly people, but almost invariably, the news about the country is bad, crime , drug trafficking, the murder rate, corrupt police and politicians. On the other hand,the economy is booming and government has a considerable amount in its coffers, including future oil revenues, which it will wish to use for “social” purposes. Rio de Janeiro at the moment does not have a single lending library worth being called one, which you can walk around and serendipitously pick up a book to learn Samoan for example, as i tried when I was 13. The general educational level of practically the whole population is abysmally low and almost no one reads books for fun. Suddenly e are hearing there are plans to teach both English and Spanish at the start of primary school. Perhaps these games will finally see some civic vision appearing in Brazilian government, in a land where the vast majority of politicians entered public life to steal rather than serve the public interest. As the saying goes, ” public man (politician) is the masculine of public woman”. Most people seem to think quite a lot will disappear into well connected people´s pockets.
it blessing for cities in the world to host Olympic games for various aspects, Aspect numbers-there are visitors, players supporters and followers who will come when the games begin and this people will off course bring wth their pocket filled with money which will go the cities people. Aspect numbers the cities will gain popularity and more wil inetract