Organizing the Olympic Games can lead to many positive benefits for the host country. Identify two key advantages and discuss in relation to Hong Kong’s recent hosting of the Equestrian events. The Olympic Games are a renowned mega event held every four years with the highest number of athletes present. People from entire world come to watch the event. Hong Kong co-hosted the Olympic Equestrian Events in 2008 which share the glory of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympics Games. Organizing the Olympic Games can lead to many positive benefits for the host country.
That’s why Hong Kong would like to be an Olympic co-host city. National identity can be fostered by a nation winning the right to host an Olympic Game (Ikhioya, 1998). National identity involves social immersion in, identification and involvement with, and loyalty and patriotic commitment to a nation (Ikhioya, 1998). It can create a sense of belongingness among members of a society, which is an important step in post-conflict reconstruction (Thomas, 2004). Waitt (2001) pointed out that the Sydney 2000 Olympic is able to generate community and national pride.
Athens 2004 Olympic Games can also provide evidence of national identity fostered by evaluating the motivation of the volunteers for increased productivity. National identity is enriching national pride and pride strongly motivates people to work (Panos K. et al. , 2005). Hong Kong has suffered of an identity crisis since Britain handed it over to China in 1997. Most people prefer themselves as HongKongese rather than Chinese. However, co-hosting the equestrian event can deepen Hong Kong people the sense of belongings and understanding of China.
It helps to rebuild their national identity. Patrick, et al. (2008) noted that surveys conducted by Hok Yau Club and the Youth Online Association can serve as an evidence of the increase in Chinese national identity among Hong Kong adolescents. 75% of them demonstrated greater Chinese national identity and a stronger degree of patriotism for China (60%) compared to a survey two years previously. Besides, 82% agreed that as Chinese, they are proud to contribute to the Beijing Olympic Games. Olympic Games can also help to build the destination image of the host country.
Donald, Getz (1991) stated that major events can have the effect of shaping an image of the host community, leading to its favorable perception as a potential travel destination. With global media attention focused on the host city, even for a relatively short duration, the publicity value is enormous. According to IOC marketing report Beijing 2008 from the official website of Olympic Movement, the Beijing Games were available across the world, with broadcasts in 220 territories and an estimated potential TV audience of 4-3 billion people as well as internet and mobile phone downloads. By playing host to the Olympic equestrian events, Hong Kong can also able to enhance its international profile, make itself known to people living in every corner of the world” said Ronnie Ho, chairman of Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (2005). It can also prove that Hong Kong is an Asian metropolitan that has the ability to host for mega international events with modern management. In conclusion, the Olympic, as a mega event, can play a positive role in developing a sense of national identity and destination image of the host countries.
Co-hosting equestrian event is really an honor of Hong Kong. Not only can it help to develop Hong Kong’s long-term branding for the future, but also show the new face of China, a country in transition, to the world since Hong Kong is assisting Beijing, its nation, to run great games.
