Successful summer in Rio

A look at Brazil’s challenging journey as the host nation of the 2016 games

You know those people who always one up you? Like the mom who brings homemade chocolate chip cookies to the bake sale when you bring smashed apple pie from the freezer section.

I feel like the Olympics operates that way. At least when it comes to the pressure of hosting a global event.

Each country, when graced with the opportunity to host, is not only expected to produce a world-class experience for Olympians and bystanders, but scrutinized every step of the way.

We all saw China’s attempt to stand above the rest in 2008, when the $40 billion venue was constructed in Beijing. They actually built a stadium called the “Bird’s Nest” that looks just like an actual bird’s nest.

Sadly, the place is now in shambles and has cost Beijing more in upkeep since the games were hosted there.

RIO - Team USA was dominant. Google Images.

RIO – Team USA was dominant. Google Images.

That all to say, despite Brazil’s current state of recession, they still stepped forward in pride this year to build an experience worthy of an olympian.

While I realize that revenue being brought in from so many other countries can be beneficial in many ways, the reality that it won’t ever find its way to the poverty stricken corners of Rio de Janeiro is disheartening.

Huge companies and organizations in charge of planning and developing the event will see the bulk of the profit.

In that respect I see this year’s Olympic location as no greater than another. Other than that one guy who walked away with way more gold than he could carry, the whole thing almost screams average.

However, unlike other host countries in the past, Brazil did something that almost makes up for their lack of financial sensibility.

They made a game plan for life after the Olympics.


Listed on the Olympic website is a list of the positive and impactful effects the games have had on Brazil as a whole.

Not only were the city streets re-paved and cleaned, Rio de Janeiro now has four brand-new methods of public transportation throughout the city that afford quicker and easier access to its citizens.

Last but not least is the fact that one of the stadiums was specifically designed to be taken apart later on and used to build four new schools in and around the community.

While Brazil may not be the place to live economically speaking, it certainly never lacks in creativity and spirit.

So were the Olympics in Brazil a raging success? As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to all of it.

But seriously, how can you say no to young Brazilian children getting new schools?

Longie is an opinion writer.

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