I’m still rather unconvinced by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games bid, particularly that they are portraying Scotland, and Glasgow in particular is somehow completely behind the proposal with their ‘Back the Bid‘ campaign (Here’s an interesting analysis of how the numbers break down). My problem is there’s scant little way to express those reservations, and even if there was, the bids are in and the decision awaited. I fear it’s a done deal.
For a start I think there’s a many more constructive sport and health projects that could be undertaken with the hundreds of millions of pounds this is costing. I saw the (at the time) empty and unused Sydney Olympic site that is often used as an example of a successful host: I felt it was a rather cold and eerie, and whilst impressed, I suspect it was more to do with the physical size of the buildings. So I fear much the same with regards the Olympics/Commonwealth Games. Large white elephants with little long-term impact on a regions sport and health.
I don’t want to denigrate the inevitable sport and sporting achievement/inspiration that is likely – Goodness knows many people in Scotland could use the encouragement to do more exercise. But it doesn’t stop me disliking seeing money thrown at something in the name of sport, when it won’t really help as much as other projects, at the “grass roots” level most of us inhabit.
So I’d much prefer that the money was spent on more practical sporting goals, with a wider target. Take a look at Jog Scotland for a down-to-earth and practical initiative. I’m sure this model could be adapted elsewhere, in other sports, to good effect. “Grass roots” is often bandied about, but usually in terms of fostering talent. So what about those of us who don’t possess much sporting talent? There does need to be more funding and encouragement of these mass-participation programmes, rather than large and very expensive elite Commonwealth/Olympic events that bear little relation to the real problems of growing sport participation and health in this country.
But I digress somewhat. There has been very little space for people to stand up and say, “Er, no, actually I’m not convinced by this bid“. Good to see though that there’s a weblog on the subject, pointing out many of the fallacies. One for the bookmarks methinks.
And as for the Glasgow bid, I remain unconvinced it’s an effective way to spend that much money, but it’s still the favourite to win. So if so, it’ll be interesting to measure how well the build up to the Glasgow games affects uptake of sport, and moves us towards a more healthy lifestyle in Scotland as a whole. For that is how I think these events should be measured.
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