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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Secret UK Report Says Olympics Benefits Overrated

2012 could be awkward

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(Newser) – The UK made its grab for the 2012 Olympic Games in defiance of a secret, 205-page strategy report concluding that, apart from being a nice party, the games were essentially useless, the Times reports. Representing almost a year of research by experts, the 2002 document was signed off on by Tony Blair, but then quietly shunted aside when it debunked the main justifications for hosting the games.

“Countries should only host the Olympics for reasons of national celebration,” the report concludes, “because the economic rationale is weak.” Nor do the games boost participation in sports. “It was an inconvenient truth,” said one business professor. “Almost the moment the ink was dry there was a volte-face.” The revelation comes as economic turmoil is cutting into the Olympic budget, and may boost calls for “Austerity Games” resembling 1948—which happens to be the last time London hosted.

Construction work continues on the main stadium for the 2012 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Park site in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008.
Construction work continues on the main stadium for the 2012 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Park site in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
A London bus joins a Olympic welcome home parade in Sydney, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. Australia won 46 medals, including 14 gold, at the Beijing Olympics finishing sixth in the medal tally.
A London bus joins a Olympic welcome home parade in Sydney, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. Australia won 46 medals, including 14 gold, at the Beijing Olympics finishing sixth in the medal tally.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker, Pool)
Athletes enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Heroes Parade on October 16, 2008 in London.
Athletes enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Heroes Parade on October 16, 2008 in London.   (Getty Images)
Athletes celebrate during the Olympic and Paralympic Heroes Parade on October 16, 2008 at Trafalgar Square, London.
Athletes celebrate during the Olympic and Paralympic Heroes Parade on October 16, 2008 at Trafalgar Square, London.   (Getty Images)
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We concluded that countries should host the Olympics only for reasons of national celebration because the economic rationale is weak. - John Clark, author of a British government report on the Olympics

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