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Major international sporting events like the Olympics can significantly boost sports engagement, not just in the host country but internationally, leading to increased physical activity and better public health outcomes, shows Oeconomus‘ latest survey.
The research examined how major sporting events, particularly the Olympics, can influence public participation in recreational sports. It found that these events often lead to heightened interest in physical activity, spurred by media coverage, the excitement surrounding the games, and the development of new sports facilities.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, for instance, have been designed to encourage daily physical activity in French primary schools, a move that mirrors successful initiatives in Hungary.
The publication highlights that the Olympics and similar mega-events can have lasting positive impacts by promoting physical activity and developing sports infrastructure. New facilities built for these events often become community assets, fostering ongoing sports engagement. This infrastructure, along with media coverage and campaigns, can help sustain interest in sports long after the events conclude.
The 2012 London Olympics left a lasting legacy, with over 1 million people visiting the Olympic Park annually and 106 community facilities being upgraded, benefiting 400,000 citizens. The 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia led to a 20% increase in junior registrations, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, saw a significant rise in female athlete participation. Similarly, UEFA’s investments in grassroots football (any level of football which is non-professional and elite) have reached millions of children across Europe, demonstrating how sustained investment in infrastructure and promotion can lead to increased sports participation.
The study underscores the potential of major sporting events to inspire lasting increases in recreational sports participation.
However, for this impact to be sustained, it is crucial that countries continue to invest in accessible sports infrastructure, targeted campaigns, and community programs. By doing so, the temporary boost in interest generated by these events can be transformed into long-term public health benefits.
Via Oeconomus; Featured Image: Pixabay