Introduction to London Olympic Legacy

On July 6, 2005, the International Olympic Committee chose London over rival city Paris to host the XXX Olympiad in 2012. Shortly thereafter, the London Organsing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games was formed to both plan the structure of the games throughout London as well as ensure a strong economic and social legacy for both the Olympics as a whole and the city of London. At the core of London's bid for the 2012 Olympics was its desire to inspire its general populus to pick up sport  for its cultural, physical, and economic benefit. Furthermore, the planning committee hopes to improve community and social life for its citizens through the Olympics, which has a direct effect on the infrastructure and venue location for the games in 2012. In addition to the social goals of the Olympics, London officials hope to cement the UK as a leading sporting nation, promote London as welcoming place to travel to and do business in, and "make the Olympic Park a blueprint for sustainable living".

The legacy of the 2012 Olympics also has the potential to transform social inept areas in London. Specifically, the six London boroughs hosting the games are areas of social deprivation, and organizers hope the economic and and commercial benefits of the Olympics raise the quality of living and revive struggling communities. Overall, the legacy of the London Olympics has the potential to improve grassroots participation in physical activity for its citizens, provide the opportunity for new economic growth, bring communities together, and have the Olympic Park last after the Games as a principal leader in the rebirth of East London.

It seems like the UK is pretty concerned with the overall physical well being of its citizens. I understand the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics- as far as tourists and fans flooding the UK and paying for hotels, food, tickets, and everything else. But my first overall impression is that London children are really disinterested in sport at the moment to the point that officials have outlined that as their first priority in their planning of the Olympics. I highly doubt this would be the case in the United States, which would definitely maximize the economic benefits through endless marketing and commercialization.