2016 is a year full of spectacular events, among which surely are the Olympics. This time, Brazil received the chance to host this long awaited spectacle. Following the motto “Viva sua Paixão“, which means “live your passion“, the Olympic Games will take place in Rio de Janeiro. As it is now Brazil’s turn to demonstrate its hospitality on the tv screens of millions of sport enthusiasts all over the world, the country of football and samba will go down in history as the first South American country and the second Latin American country (1968, Mexico) to host the Olympics.
Of course, such a mega event opens up chances and opportunities for a country like Brazil that is on the verge of becoming a highly industrialized country while still having to fight issues like poverty. On the one hand, the games promise to strengthen the national pride of the people in their country as well as the sense of togetherness and solidarity. Cultural exchange and interaction with other countries play another important role for Brazil’s decision to become a host country.
Whilst peace and freedom are just another two values emphasized by the Olympics, Rio will most certainly place a crucial focus on the Paralympics where handicapped athletes will have the chance to demonstrate their athletic talent. Equality and equal opportunities, two principles that sadly have not been sufficiently established in Brazil, are thus promoted by this important event.
But in the end, it’s particularly the economic aspect that counts because the games will undoubtedly attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world. Tourism has always been a very significant sector in Brazil’s economy providing a vast amount of jobs. Many people are of the opinion that the high sums of money spent for this spectaclewill pay off if the games end up having a sustainably positive effect on the touristic influx.
