Is Chile Ready to Host the Olympic Games?
After the success of the Pan American Games (the most significant sporting event ever organized in our country since the 1962 FIFA World Cup), the ambition to host the world’s most important sports event has been embraced by authorities, athletes, and the people of Chile. But are we really prepared to host such a massive event?
The Pan American and Para-Pan American Games Santiago 2023 demonstrated that our country is capable of organizing large-scale events. Held in October and November 2023, the sporting event saw over 7,000 athletes from across the continent participate in competitions that drew more than 1.5 million spectators from the Americas.
We also met Fiu, the mascot of the Pan American Games, a multi-colored bird known as the "pájaro de siete colores" in Spanish, found in many of Chile’s wetlands. Fiu captured hearts and even won its own gold medal at the end of the games.
During the Pan American Games in Santiago, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach visited the Pan American Village in Cerrillos. He encouraged the local Olympic committee to consider bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games:
“My advice is that once the Pan American Games are finished, they should start setting their next goal. This could be the Olympic Games or any other major event,” he said.
Fiu, the mascot of the Pan American and Para Pan American Games
In June of this year, President Gabriel Boric, during his annual conference at the Senate, announced the initiation of the process to gather the necessary documentation for bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games:
“We know it will not be easy, but just like the 1962 generation (for the World Cup Chile hosted), I invite you all to dream big and unite us all in this beautiful challenge.”
Amidst this excitement, our country has begun the process of presenting its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. However, current issues related to security, illegal immigration, and economic stability have raised concerns among some parliamentarians, who believe the country should prioritize improving citizens' quality of life rather than investing heavily in a sports event like the Olympics.
The consequences of hosting an event such as the Olympics can be varied. If organized correctly, it can bring significant long-term benefits, including international recognition and enhanced local tourism. Santiago could improve public infrastructure, develop new public transportation services, and renovate parks, squares, and open spaces. Additionally, creating new work and housing areas could boost employment and security in parts of the city that are in need of revitalization.
Chile’s official bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games
However, if the investment and ambition to host this event are not managed properly, it could lead to several negative outcomes, such as the neglect of venues and facilities, as seen in Athens and Rio de Janeiro after the 2004 and 2016 Olympics, respectively. Another potential issue is overtourism. Barcelona, for example, developed a strategy not only to host the 1992 Olympics but also to become a prominent tourist destination. As a result, the city now faces challenges due to overtourism, leading to conflicts between locals and tourists. (You can read more about this in our previous entry).
Hosting an event like this clearly has its pros and cons. However, the opportunity to showcase Chile’s talented athletes and to celebrate our rich culture, nature, diversity, and people could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Chilean Skeet shooter Francisca Crovetto’s gold medal at Paris 2024 is now an inspiration for many Chileans to work hard for the goal of the 2036 Olympics in Chile.
