A Sustainable Sports Legacy: Creating a Link between the London Olympics and Sports Participation

Abstract

The London 2012 bid was based on the promise to use the Olympic Games to promote sports participation for all groups across the UK. This is the most ambitious project in the history of the Olympic Games in terms of both its scope and level of change, as, in order to be implemented successfully, it has to address not only people's behaviour but also deeply rooted social structures and relations. This paper addresses the little explored issue of the link between hosting the Olympic Games and sports participation in the host country within the framework of sustainable sports legacy. It takes a process-oriented approach, suggesting that Olympic legacies are constructed and not given, and explores the role of the International Olympic Committee and the UK government in framing sports legacy. The paper draws from relevant literature and two original case studies, and analyses five main processes involved in legacy construction. It is argued that the role of sports participation legacy has been to compensate for the propensities of Olympic growth. The concept of sustainable Olympic sports development legacy is controversial but appealing. It offers grounds for agreement in Olympic aspirations for social progress and equality while still promoting games that are faster, higher, stronger and the best ever. Achieving sustainable sports participation will remain an illusive target until the rights of different communities and sports are recognized.