ABSTRACT
International mega-sport events such as the Olympic Games are thought to have positive social and economic impacts on host regions, as well as attract global television audiences and corporate sponsorships (Getz 1997; Majid et al. 2007). Indeed, the Olympic Games garner considerable monetary and in-kind investment from both public and private sector organizations. In exchange for their substantial investment of tax dollars, governments hope that hosting such events will improve the local economy via tourism and urban development (Crompton and Lee 2000). Further, governments often feel their financial support can result in increased social cohesion, community pride, volunteerism and health among citizens (Potwarka and Snelgrove 2013).
