Some people think that hosting an international sports event is good for the country, while some people think it is bad.

 

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that hosting an international sports event is good for the country, while some people think it is bad. Discuss both views and state your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Without a doubt, the competition to host international sporting events is intensely competitive. Some argue, however, that hosting such events is an issue. Others, like me, believe that their claims are unsound because they overlook the nation's long-term benefits.

On the one hand, major sporting competitions are generally believed to cause severe problems in the host country. One of the obvious issues is that the government must build or renovate existing sports facilities, which means that a large sum of money must be set aside for such investments. As a result, other critical sectors such as health and education will be harmed as a result of a lack of funds for growth. Another issue is that once a tournament begins, fans from all over the world, particularly from neighbouring countries, will flock to the host country. This huge movement could jeopardise national security by encouraging criminals and terrorists to enter the country illegally.

I believe that hosting world-class sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup will provide the host nation with numerous benefits. For instance, these types of international events may help the host country's prestige and integrity. For example, there is a strong possibility that the states hosting the Olympic Games will experience a sustained rise in recognition and tourism. Another important benefit is that raising a country's profile will contribute to economic gains. Large international companies will make long-term commitments and lucrative sponsorships in advance of major events. The host country's overall infrastructure as well as local facilities could be modernised in the future to accommodate influxes of tourists.

In conclusion, while there are a few disadvantages to hosting a sporting event on an international scale, I would argue that the benefits in terms of image marketing and financial gains are long-term and sustainable.