Today the Games of the XXX Olympiad begin in London. The opening ceremony begins at 9PM showcasing "Isles of Wonder" which features British farmland, families and rain! From what I have heard so far I do not believe it will be better then Beijing, but I will be watching nonetheless.
Many people wonder what benefits the Olympics will actually have for London or the UK. Many politicians point to increased tourism, yet London is already the world's most visited city. Also many tourists who aren't interested in the games will try to avoid the Olympic rush and visit another time. Lisbon isn't an unknown city either, only it and New York are in the top category of global cities (Alpha++). It is the political and business centre of the UK and has Europe's largest airport (Heathrow). Nonetheless there is a lot of national pride around hosting the Olympics. After this year London will have held the games more times than any other city (1908 and 1948) and the USA will be the only county to have hosted the summer Olympics more times than the UK (Saint Louis in 1904, Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984 and Atlanta in 1996). The Olympic games already have some benefits, the east end of London is certainly in need of improvement, the facilities provide by the Olympics will help to improve the area. There are increased transport facilities and new housing, as well as the use of the sporting facilities and areas that are kind on the eye.
The rewards from hosting the Olympics will only be seen long after the games are over, but I am delighted that the Olympics will return to London.
Many people wonder what benefits the Olympics will actually have for London or the UK. Many politicians point to increased tourism, yet London is already the world's most visited city. Also many tourists who aren't interested in the games will try to avoid the Olympic rush and visit another time. Lisbon isn't an unknown city either, only it and New York are in the top category of global cities (Alpha++). It is the political and business centre of the UK and has Europe's largest airport (Heathrow). Nonetheless there is a lot of national pride around hosting the Olympics. After this year London will have held the games more times than any other city (1908 and 1948) and the USA will be the only county to have hosted the summer Olympics more times than the UK (Saint Louis in 1904, Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984 and Atlanta in 1996). The Olympic games already have some benefits, the east end of London is certainly in need of improvement, the facilities provide by the Olympics will help to improve the area. There are increased transport facilities and new housing, as well as the use of the sporting facilities and areas that are kind on the eye.
The rewards from hosting the Olympics will only be seen long after the games are over, but I am delighted that the Olympics will return to London.
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