The Olympics, Is It All Worth It?

The Olympics is so near now that you can almost taste it, but when all is said and done, will it all be worth it?.


The bill for hosting the games will be a staggering 9 billion pounds!, in these times of financial struggle it seems unreal that the country is spending that kind of money on a sporting event. With huge numbers in unemployment and with more financial cuts expected, it is hard to imagine that everyone is in the Olympic Games spirit heading into the summer.


People have been told that the games are for the British public, however two-thirds of people who applied for tickets for the games missed out and the alternatitive is to watch on the big screens around the country. So aside from sampling the atmosphere in the parks, you would be essentialy be watching the events on a television, well great that's what most do with other Olympics whilst not having to pay any part of their taxes towards it. With a high number of tickets going to corporate sponsors, the public could be forgiven for thinking that they are being alienated from the games.


Another reason given for hosting is that the event will give the country a lift in these difficult times, but as explained above, to many, it may as well be just another television event in another country. Then there's the national pride of our fellow Brits winning medals, which of course the same public would feel the same if it were taking place in another country (recurring theme). Not forgetting of course the tourism factor for the country, unless the sum adds up to 9 billion or more, I can't see how this is going to make a difference.


For the sports fans there are exciting prospects for the Olympics, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Ian Thorpe ect. But unless you are at the events experiencing it live, how is it any more special than watching them at other events down the years. Then there are the non sports fans that have to contribute to this massive bill, with no interest whatsoever about what will take place. To them this will hardly seem fair and who can blame them for feeling that way?.


So come September 10 (the day after the end of the Paralympics), will we be full of national pride?, Will we be in awe of the power that the games has brought? And most importantly, will it all have been worth it?.

Gay Footballers

I know this has already been covered on BBC three's documentary, Britain's Gay Footballers but I felt like writing about the subject.


Homosexuality is seen as a taboo in many areas of social and working life, particularly in the world of sport including football. We are in the year 2012, why is the subject still such a taboo and are the appropriate authorities doing enough to support gay footballers or any gay sportsmen or women for that matter.


Max Clifford, arguably Britain's best know publicist claimed that he has represented gay footballers before and has advised them to keep that fact a secret. During his interview with the Independent back in 2009, Clifford claimed that football: "remains in the dark ages, steeped in homophobia," unfortunately these circumstances remain today. 




Why should gay footballers have to hide their sexuality, many musicians don't, neither do people in other professions. The main reason I could think of would be the abuse they would receive from rival fans and opposition players, footballers get a raw deal from supporters as it is so coming out as gay would be like having a target on their chest.  In other sports, fans seem to be less vicious towards players which may have encouraged the likes of England cricketer Stephen Davis and Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas to come out as gay.


This is where the authorities should step in and send out a message that any sort of negative behaviour towards homosexual players is unacceptable, like they have rightful done over the last few years regarding racism. However following Fifa President Sepp Blatter's comments suggesting homosexuals should: "refrain from sexual activity," during the future world cup in Qatar, any major support from Fifa is as unlikely as ever.


After the Luis Suarez incident and the alleged John Terry incident (who's case is yet to be heard), the F.A have reiterated their anti racism campaign and rightfully so. Alot of good work has been done by the association to tackle racism, so they should also focus on stamping out any homophobic abuse to help encourage footballers to come out. Of course there is the famous case of a footballer coming out as gay. The tragic case of Justin Fashanu could understandably put alot of players off coming out, the way he was made an outcast was of course disgusting but by now times should have changed and lessons should have been learnt.


So when will there be a time were footballers are comfortable enough to reveal their sexuality?, maybe a long time in the future but it shouldn't take that long. With dedicated support from the right authorities, a player or two may stand up to be counted. Abuse will inevitably come from some sectors of the game but whoever comes out would make a difference and hopefully leave a legacy for years to come.