Is it worthwhile to host the Olympic Games? This question has sparked debates about whether the extensive investments in infrastructure and international visibility truly compensate for the significant financial outlays. Many argue that the billions spent could be better allocated to traditionally underfunded sectors like education and healthcare. France 24 explores the legacy of the 2016 Rio Olympics to shed light on how much the event actually benefited the local population.
In 2016, hundreds of protesters filled the streets of Rio de Janeiro in the lead-up to one of the most expensive sporting events in history. Initially, the budget was set at around $4.4 billion. However, the final expenses were far greater. The Brazilian government and private sector ended up spending close to $8 billion, according to the Brazilian Court of Accounts. A 2021 report from the University of Oxford estimated the total cost to be around $13.7 billion.
Given these staggering figures, the government of Brazil, led by then-president Dilma Rousseff, consistently emphasized the importance of the Olympic legacy. "The Games will leave a legacy before, during, and after," she stated, shortly before her impeachment later that year. Almost a decade later, residents of Rio, commonly referred to as cariocas, are beginning to witness the outcomes of those promises.
Read more about the Olympic legacy in Rio de Janeiro here.
This complex issue raises important questions about the value of hosting such a monumental event. Are the investments in infrastructure and international recognition worth the cost? As cities around the world consider bidding for future Olympic Games, the lessons learned from Rio may provide critical insights into the balance between cost and community benefit.
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