Product Description
Abstract
Big Sport—international competitions such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games—galvanizes global society. Mega sporting events can drive economics, innovation, cooperation, goodwill, and social change. They can transform host cities and ignite reflection and debate. But in January 2015, when Boston secured the US bid for the 2024 Olympics, many citizens were not convinced that good things come to those who host.
This case study surveys the history and organization of the Olympic Games, the trend in using megaevents to spur development, and Brazil’s experience preparing for both the World Cup and the Summer Olympics. The case study also explains the technological and economic shift made possible by digital media and summarizes the Boston bid for the 2024 Games. Video interviews with leaders in the sports and technology industries, accessible via hyperlink in the case materials, also inform the debate. With this information, participants are prepared to deliberate the transformative potential of Big Sport as it relates to the bid for the 2024 Olympics. If Boston were to win the Olympic bid, would the city be destined for disaster? Might we harness the energy and innovation of Big Sport to advance society? If so, how? Participants will use Socratic questioning as a form of cross-examination, in order to persuade their peers on the opportunities and challenges facing host cities.
Learning Objectives
- Consider the highly discussable and debatable topic of the value of being an Olympic host
- Consider some of the issues developing countries have faced when hosting big sporting events
- Explore the possibilities for innovation and new media for big sport
Subjects Covered
Olympic Games, World Cup, legacy, host cities, economics, innovation, social entrepreneurship, deliberation, megaevents, Olympism, Big Sport, Olympic bid, sports marketing, technology, digital media, BRIC, BRICS, white elephants, risk assessment, development, social unrest, creativity, Boston2024
Setting
Geographic: Boston, Massachusetts; Brazil
Industry: Sports; Technology; Advertising/Marketing
Event Start Date: 2015
Accessibility
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Educator Materials
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For more information about the Problem Solving Workshop, or to request a teaching note for this case study, contact the HLS Case Studies Program at hlscasestudies@law.harvard.edu or +1-617-496-1316.
Additional Information
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Copyright Information
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