The term mega event is used to describe events such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup in football. But in order for an event to become a mega event, certain factors need to be fullfilled.
Though, there is no clear definition of a mega event, there is a distinction between a big event and a mega event, which is not only related to the number of participants.
According to a study made by Harry H. Hiller from the University of Calgary, a mega event is first of all of fixed duration and on a short term basis. The event has a high profile, there is a worldwide interest linked to the event and there is a sustainable and measureable economic outcome.
The event does in the end not necessarily have to be financially succesfull, but it will have a certain impact on the economy as a hole e.g. by generating tourism and infrastructural improvements. It also improves employment – both on a short-term and permanent basis.
A mega event also involves political decisionmaking and involves the strategies of a country`s Government. Mostly on a direct basis but the policy can also be indirect. The Government will usually advocate for the economic benefit a mega event would have for the country. According to Harry H. Hiller, a mega event is concieved as an economic initiative.
Mega events does not have to be linked to sport. The town of Hannover in Germany hosted the EXPO exhibition in 2000 for instance.
In the sportsworld, a big event can be annual and seasonal, such as Tour de France and Formula 1.
A mega event is not an annual event. A mega event has a unique one time nature, which is related to the specific place where it took place, such as the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. The place does not need to be a city. It can be a country as seen latest in Germany 2006 which hosted the World Cup in soccer.
Besides the Olympic Games and the World Cup in soccer, other mega sports events to be named are the European Cup in soccer and The Rugby World Cup according to the criteria set up by Harry H. Hiller.
But perhaps the most important reason to legitimate the decision to host a mega event is not the impact on a country`s economy, but that a mega event changes the legacy of the place where it is held.
Next World Cup in Soccer is to be held in South Africa in 2010.
14 responses so far ↓
1 mattyd // Feb 4, 2008 at 3:05 pm
mega events are awesome!!
2 JammyC // Feb 5, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I agree. They are amazing!!
3 MarkyS // Feb 5, 2008 at 6:14 pm
mega!!!
4 System6 // Feb 7, 2008 at 7:06 am
For a fictional (perhaps) view of sports doping, check out the story at:
http://www.bicycle.net/2008/rolling-thunder-a-cycling-tale-part-1
It’s just the opening sampler. Further portions of the story to be posted soon. Leave a message about what you think.
5 Phakamisa // Jun 9, 2008 at 2:13 am
Mega-events are amazing in the sense that they almost the only events that can cimbine and unite people all aorund the globe
6 Phakamisa // Jun 9, 2008 at 2:14 am
Mega-events are amazing in the sense that they almost the only events that can combine and unite people all aorund the globe
7 christain // Dec 19, 2008 at 10:46 am
am a player ,i play middfield ,a very good one as well .am looking for a club to join, here is my number,+8613694257377 . email vicentchris@yahoo.com ,i wil be glad if my request is fulfill .thank GOD
8 VICTOR STEPHEN // Dec 28, 2008 at 4:01 pm
+234-806361-9215
9 mohanned // Feb 20, 2009 at 1:50 am
please i am a young talented player from angola.luanda looking for vacancy in your club as a footballer please this is my email mohammed_saida2002@yahoo.com.co.za please grant me the space and i will never fail you please
10 Adam Harcourt // Feb 25, 2009 at 6:19 pm
i think mega events are really funny
11 Meleni // Sep 10, 2009 at 2:15 am
Мне интересно, сколько средств вложили в раскрутку этого блога. Кто как думает?
12 Rueconomic // May 5, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Тоже буду учавствовать в дисскусии.
13 Xsedox // May 6, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Блог понравился, побольше таких ресурсов бы.
14 Francis // May 7, 2010 at 11:44 am
Не могу что то здесь разобраться.
Leave a Comment