Research Ethical Issues Related To International Sporting Ev

Research ethical issues related to international sporting events such as the Olympics

In this discussion, research ethical issues related to international sporting events such as the Olympics. In addition to your Learning Materials, research two to three articles on your own that relate to ethics in international sporting events. Consider the following questions:

  • Do worldwide games such as the Olympics adhere to their original purpose?
  • Why or why not?

Post an explanation as to whether worldwide games such as The Olympics adhere to their original purpose. Use specific examples of ethical or unethical actions to justify your response. PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS PRESENTED!!

Paper For Above instruction

The Olympic Games, conceived as a celebration of athletic excellence, unity, and peace among nations, are historically rooted in the ideals of nobility, fair play, and international camaraderie. However, over time, the massive scale, economic interests, and political implications surrounding the Olympics have cast doubt on whether these events truly adhere to their original purpose. Analyzing recent ethical issues reveals that while the Olympic movement officially espouses noble ideals, in practice, it often faces significant challenges that compromise its foundational principles.

One of the primary ethical concerns associated with the Olympics is the immense financial costs and economic impact on host cities. For instance, the 2004 Athens Olympics, initially intended to showcase Greece’s cultural and athletic prowess, resulted in significant financial strain. According to Malkoutzis (2012), Greece spent over $11 billion, much of it borrowed, leading to long-term economic instability. Similarly, the 2016 Brazil Olympics was plagued by concerns over the use of public funds, with estimates of $25 billion spent. Many of the infrastructure projects, such as stadiums and venues, ended up being underutilized post-games, with some stadiums remaining empty and costly to maintain (Appelbaum, 2014). These examples demonstrate that economic motives often dominate Olympic planning, with promises of fostering national pride and economic development often unfulfilled or delayed, raising ethical questions about resource allocation and transparency.

Moreover, ethical challenges extend to issues of human rights, labor practices, and environmental sustainability. The Qatar World Cup in 2022 highlighted severe ethical breaches, including allegations of exploitation of migrant workers, poor working conditions, and environmental concerns due to extreme heat. Human rights organizations have documented abuses, questioning whether the event aligns with the Olympic ideals of fairness and respect (Amnesty International, 2021). Such allegations underscore the ethical dilemma of prioritizing international spectacle at the expense of human dignity and safety. These issues reflect a divergence from the original purpose of promoting peace and mutual respect among nations.

Racism, discrimination, and doping scandals also tarnish the reputation of international sports and challenge their ethical standing. For example, instances of racial discrimination during Olympic competitions have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination policies. The doping scandals involving athletes like Lance Armstrong or Russia’s state-sponsored doping program highlight ethical breaches related to fairness and integrity in sports. These actions undermine the core values of the Olympics by prioritizing winning over fairness and honesty. Such incidents reveal that despite institutional codes of conduct, unethical practices persist, driven by the enormous monetary and fame incentives associated with Olympic success.

On the other hand, there are instances where the Olympics have upheld their original purpose. In 2012, London Olympic organizers emphasized environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and transparency, making efforts to host a more ethically aligned event. Campaigns to promote gender equality, accessibility for disabled athletes, and community engagement reflected a conscious attempt to honor the noble ideals of the Olympic movement (IOC, 2012). These positive examples suggest that with strong ethical commitment and transparent governance, the Olympics can move closer to fulfilling their founding principles.

In conclusion, while the Olympics officially aim to promote peace, unity, and excellence, various ethical conflicts such as economic exploitation, human rights violations, doping, and discrimination have compromised these ideals. The pursuit of profit and national prestige often overshadows the foundational values of fairness, respect, and solidarity. Nevertheless, the Olympic movement can still adhere to its original purpose by strengthening ethical standards, improving transparency, and prioritizing human dignity over financial or political gains. Ultimately, the adherence of the Olympics to its fundamental ideals varies across host nations and organizational practices, but a committed ethical approach can ensure that these global games serve their noble purpose.

References

  • Amnesty International. (2021). Qatar 2022: Exploitation and abuse of migrant workers. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/11/qatar-2022-exploitation-and-abuse-of-migrant-workers/
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC). (2012). London 2012 Sustainability Strategy. https://olympics.com/ioc/programme-performance-sustainability
  • Appelbaum, B. (2014). Does hosting the Olympics actually pay off? The New York Times Magazine. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/magazine/does-hosting-the-olympics-actually-pay-off.html
  • Malkoutzis, N. (2012). How the 2004 Olympics triggered Greece’s decline. Bloomberg Business. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-08-02/how-the-2004-olympics-triggered-greeces-decline
  • International Olympic Committee. (2019). The Olympic Charter. https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-charter
  • Preuss, H. (2015). The Economics of Hosting the Olympic Games: A Critical Review. European Sport Management Quarterly, 15(1), 77-102.
  • Donnelly, P. (2017). Ethics in Sports: A Critical Perspective. Journal of Sports Ethics, 12(2), 189-205.
  • Miller, K. (2018). Human Rights and the Olympics: Ethical Implications. International Journal of Human Rights, 22(3), 345-359.
  • Chalip, L., & McCook, J. (2012). The 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Community Development: An Ethical Evaluation. European Sport Management Quarterly, 12(2), 117-130.
  • Thomas, N. (2020). Doping and Fair Play in International Sports. Sports and Society, 15(4), 532-548.

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