The Olympics: Why We Should Value Them

Abstract

Like any informed reader I am intensely aware of the failings of some of the individuals and entities associated with the Games. Bidding scandals, environmental problems and waste, political abuses, athlete/coach/management cheating and drug abuse, economic mismanagement, and the bearing of local costs by the most vulnerable, these are undeniably issues which have to be addressed, and which have had a profoundly negative effect on the legitimacy of the Olympic movement. However, I approach such matters in seeking to identify the conditions under which such opportunities for abuses can be negated and to define ways in which the product of Olympic activity can be used for positive gains. In short, for me the glass is half full.