Olympics cost

I would not be happy since I have no interest in sport. although I appreciate that it gives some people pleasure. Sport does generate resources to boost the economy.

I am already unhappy at the amount of money flowing out of this country to fund overseas wars, foreign aid and illegal incomers.

Compared to what one couple are paying for their wedding it's incredibly good value for money. Anyone with a TV can go...

In answer to your question Yes an enormous waste of money when half the world is starving

BlueBelle

In answer to your question Yes an enormous waste of money when half the world is starving

But if the money was not spent on the Opympics it would not be spent feeding the starving.

Life is about more than just bread and butter. Lots of people get a great deal of enjoyment from the Olympics. I am not interested in them myself, but I don't begrudge others their pleasure. Like keepingquiet says, anyone with a TV can go.

The cost is £7.5 billion, but how much will it generate for hotels, transport, restaurants, souvenirs etc.?

All the above will generate taxes going straight into Government coffers.

It's a bit shortsighted to say it's a waste of money until you have been around 10 or 15 years to see its legacy.
I lived near Stratford at the time of the London Olympics, and 10 years after. One of the spin-offs was the regeneration of the area, the improvement of the facilities, and better transport links, which have made East London what it is today.
In addition, many young British people were inspired to take up cycling for example which is obviously beneficial to health and the environment. Cycle lanes were created all over London.
Plus the opening of Westfield Stratford bringing shops, restaurants etc giving jobs to local people.
Those who are in favour of having The Olympics in their country are usually young, energetic types, in their 20s and 30s. I'm quite OK with the colossal expense, it's good value for money.

And wait until you see the lasers on the Tower tomorrow evening for the opening ceremony. (I am reliably informed!!) A feat of creativity and technology combined, and an image that will attract people to France for years to come.

We had all these arguments for months, even years, before London 2012 opened. Most people here at the time seemed to think it was a colossal waste of money, that we wouldn’t be able to pull off a successful games, the money should be better spent, etc, etc. I remember a newspaper cartoon showing GB getting a gold medal for competitive moaning. 😂

When the time came it was a huge success, a real boost to the country’s mood and tourism industry, and proved to be a showcase for what we could still do well. It’s hard to quantify the advantages that brought, but bring them it did. Fingers crossed the same will be true of Paris 2024.

Found it! 100m freestyle moaning.

www.theguardian.com/global/cartoon/2012/jul/28/olympics-modern-toss-freestyle-moaning

Maggiemaybe

Found it! 100m freestyle moaning.

www.theguardian.com/global/cartoon/2012/jul/28/olympics-modern-toss-freestyle-moaning

😂😂😂🤞🤞🤞

I’m always “disgusted” at any expenditure of this kind, on virtually anything, when there are countries who still cannot easily access clean water!

However, I also know this “cash” wouldn’t be redirected to those needing it the most and I really enjoy the Olympics and Paralympics, the dedication and talent of the competitors is astounding and there are many events my DH and I enjoy watching

This country isn’t ‘on it’s knees!
Everyone I see is walking around with a mobile phone in their hands, we have clean water, free schools and the NHS!
Look at the cars driving around, the busy shops,pubs and restaurants.
Obviously there’s plenty of scope for improvement but definitely not on our knees!
The Olympics is a great sporting event!

I started watching to opening crony of the Olympics in Paris and thought it was rather boring. It seemed rather disjointed and bitty.
I know that the rain spoiled the event a bit but I still don’t think it would have been spectacular in bright sunshine.
I think it’s really sad too that Celene Dion and Lady Gaga should be the highlight and not the athletes.

My thoughts are similar to yours Pippa22

I find sport boring most of the time I'm afraid. It seems to be getting more expensive when there are real problems to be sorted out around the world.

I was never encouraged to do sport. My Mum said it wasn't ladylike. { Being ladylike was very important to my Mum.)
That has not stopped me loving watching almost all sports. I was never fortunate enough to go to Olympic games but I got to see the Commonwealth games in Edinburgh a few years ago. I also been to live Football matches. It has given me so much enjoyment. Please remember all Grans who are no longer able to see sport live but enjoy it on TV.

So just because you're not interested in sport it's a waste of money? I'm not into art eg painting, sculpture, old stuff etc so let's get rid of the National Gallery, the British Museum etc etc. Its the diversity of interests that make us human beings. What a boring tedious life would be if we were all the same.

I’m not that interested in the Olympic Games, and particularly now when so much money is necessary for the intense training and success of athletes. However I think hosting the games gave a huge boost of good will to U.K. when they hosted, and am sure it has to Paris and France.

What’s more, some love sport either watching or taking part, and therefore I guess on balance it is worth while.

I agree with Joseanne, Nanniejude and Plunger.
Our country is not on its knees, far from it.
Competitive sport brings pleasure to many. Lovely to watch young dedicated people give their all for their country.
So many sports, surely something everyone can find to enjoy.
Personally I enjoy watching the rowing, cycling, gymnastics, diving, swimming, athletics.
Not so keen on boxing, wrestling, that type of thing.
Worth every penny for so many reasons.

YES! in fact considering the state of the world, and then concentrating on the UK.. there is an ENORMOUS amount of money "wasted" on similar trivia!

I think it brings countries together and is worth every penny. France, like the UK, is a very rich country.

The Olympics is also good business, all those competitors as well as all the tourist will be spending money in France, as will all the sponsors.

On top of that France will have gaines some world class sporting faclities that will themselves continue to bring money into the country long after the Opympics have finished.

You cannot just look at the amount spent without factoring the amount earned during the Olympics and long after.

Birmingham where I am hosted the last Commonwealth Games. The Council has since gone bankrupt. There were just under 1000 apartments built for the athletes which weren't completed in time and now lie empty despite a housing crisis. A complete waste of money.

Following on from the post about Birmingham athletes flats, I looked up the Stratford Olympic Village. It looks to me as though a lot of accommodation and facilities wer and have been built since 2012.
Anyone live or know that area to comment on how successful it has been?