Engaging the community

Successful events and athletic performances can bring together a wide range of societal groups even those who are not generally interested in sports.
Several research projects worldwide have examined the ways in which the success of staging major sporting events and/or successful athletic performances on the international stage can affect the perceived happiness or wellbeing of different segments of the community.
These events and performances, particularly when widely broadcast through media channels and commentary, can bring together a wide range of societal groups, even those who are not generally interested in sports. Some key findings from the research include:
In general individuals with lower educational levels; lower income; black, Indigenous, or migrant backgrounds; and older respondents are more likely to feel pride and happiness from the achievements of elite athletes in international competitions. 1,2,3,4
Australian research also showed that these groups were more likely to spend more time participating in sport as a result of hosting a major sporting event (2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games). But older people, women, and locals were more likely to gain a positive attitude (pride). 3
Although it is often assumed that men are more likely to be interested in, and benefit from, sport several studies found that women were more likely to report increased happiness/wellbeing, and more likely to believe that high performance sport brings communities together. 1,2,3
These types of research provide evidence that funding major sporting events can have a positive effect on other policy areas, including social inclusion, through community pride, inspiration and the 'feel good' factor. 5 However, the effect is generally not sustained, so it is important to take advantage of it when it occurs. 6,7
Resources and reading
LA28 launches PlayLA youth sports programme, opens in a new tab, International Olympic Committee, (9 November 2021). The initiative is made possible by the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which are investing USD 160 million to make sport more accessible to kids across Los Angeles ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. This initiative is the single largest commitment to youth sports development in California. For more information visit LAParks.org/PlayLA, opens in a new tab.
Invictus Australia launches to continue the legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, opens in a new tab, Invictus Australia, (28 October 2021). Australia has achieved a world first with the launch today of Invictus Australia. Invictus Australia will be at the forefront of delivering sport recovery programs and services to improve the health and wellbeing of military veterans and their families, using sport as the primary vehicle. Invictus Australia is the legacy of the highly acclaimed Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Today marks the third anniversary of the closing of those Games. Invictus Australia – previously known as Veteran Sport Australia – has signed a world first agreement with the international Invictus Games Foundation to continue to use the Invictus brand in Australia, with the primary aim of extending support and the power of the Invictus movement beyond the Games. Through collaboration with sport, community and veteran organisations, Invictus Australia will deliver more opportunities for veterans and their families to engage in sport from grassroots participation through to international competition.
Redefining legacy: How Brock University is maximizing impact from the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, opens in a new tab, Julie Stevens and Sydney Millar, SIRCUIT, (19 April 2021). When we think of legacies from major games, often we think of new facilities, increased engagement in sport and physical activity, or heightened feelings of national pride. As a key partner in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, Brock University took an additional approach, leveraging the Games to invest in research, build curricular connections, and enhance community engagement.
£8.1 million boost for Liverpool economy following Netball World Cup, opens in a new tab, Sheffield Hallam University, (28 February 2020). The £8.18m boost was generated by the influx of fans (£6.04m), other attendee groups such as the media and event personnel (£1.32m) and the organisers (£0.82m).Overall 6.07 million people in Britain attended, watched or followed the tournament which took place in July 2019. Other findings from the research included: Physical wellbeing – 160,000 British women were inspired by the event to start playing netball or play netball more while 60% of UK spectators surveyed during the event reported feeling inspired to increase their participation in sport or active recreation as a result of attending the event.
Mental wellbeing – 68% of UK spectators felt happier than normal when attending the event, and a similar proportion had a sense of doing something worthwhile. In addition, 1.35m GB adults felt happier than normal because of their interaction with the event.
Individual development – 51% of all GB adults who interacted with the event (and 64% of UK female spectators) acquired more knowledge about netball while 46% of UK female spectators felt more confident about their ability to take part in sport and active recreation.
Social and community development – 41% of Britons, equivalent to 20.72m of the national population, reported feeling proud about England hosting the Netball World Cup. Among fans from Liverpool, 97% agreed that they felt proud that Liverpool hosted the tournament.
Play for all: Invictus Games Sydney 2018, opens in a new tab, Nicola Alcorn, Deloitte, (8 February 2019). Invictus Games Sydney 2018 welcomed 491 competitors and over 1000 of their family and friends from 18 participating nations for 8 days of competition. The celebration of strength and recovery inspired many, and amassed 1000 avid volunteers for the event. The events were held in Sydney Harbour and at Sydney Olympic Park, enabling community participation and driving community spirit through play. It is estimated that competitors, family and friends, volunteers, and the general public spent approximately $5.4 million during their stay in NSW and 94% of this expenditure was in Sydney. The total organising, planning and tourism contribution of the Games is estimated at $29.7 million in value added and supported 211 FTE employees in the NSW economy.
In the five major Australian capital cities alone, around four million people viewed the ABC coverage between 20–27 October while 105,000 attended the Games in person.
Invictus Australia FAQ: what were the outcomes of Invictus Games Sydney 2018?, opens in a new tabInvictus Australia, (accessed 1 November 2021). The Games were attended by over 1,000 family and friends of competitors, were supported by over 1200 volunteers, attracted 105,000 spectators and reached 27.5 million people across the globe. At the time of the announcement research indicated that 61% of Australians were familiar with the Invictus Games. By the time the first competitor arrived in Sydney in October 2018, that figure had risen to 83 per cent as Australians of all ages and cultural backgrounds joined with us to embrace our Defence community, and to be inspired by their resilience and their unconquered spirit. The end of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 marked a new beginning for our wounded, injured and ill serving and former serving military personnel. We inspired the wider community to respect and embrace those who have served their country and encouraged active and connected lifestyles through programs targeting sport and mental wellbeing. We educated the community to realise the valuable contribution our veterans can make in civilian life. The games won the hearts and minds of the nation with research showing seven of every ten adults now wants to play an active role in supporting our veterans. Research conducted following the games showed that 75 per cent of Australian want to do more to help Australian veterans.
So much more to the Commonwealth Games than medals, opens in a new tab, Kate Palmer, CEO, Australian Sports Commission, (5 April 2018). The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the AIS invest more than $100 million a year in high performance sport and, justifiably, we must quantify the return on that investment. According to SMI Insights Data, 80 per cent of Australians believe our athlete representatives instil pride and contribute towards the national identity, while 75 per cent think Australians are respected on the international stage.
GC2018 Legacy: Beyond the Games report 2024, opens in a new tab, Ernst and Young (EY), (2024). In June 2023, the Department of Tourism and Sport (DTS) engaged the services of EY to prepare the final Post Games Legacy Report (this Report) to assess the benefits against key objectives listed in the associated Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. This evaluation framework was collaboratively developed by the Queensland State Government and City of Gold Coast and other partners. This Report also provides an analysis of lessons learnt and potential considerations for Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games legacy planning. Highlights relating to community engagement include:Stakeholder insights suggested that GC2018 enjoyed high levels of public support around the outcomes and legacy of GC2018. Stakeholders also identified that inclusiveness initiatives were implemented in the Gold Coast Marathon post-GC2018 due to the success of GC2018 and its impact on highlight inclusive practices.
Various initiatives, such as the Festival 2018 and Leaders of Positive Change Conference, were reported to have increased awareness and understanding of cultural diversity in the community. Community recognition, respect and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures was substantial as evidenced by the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Evaluation Report and stakeholder feedback.
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games: Our legacy, opens in a new tab, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, (July 2022). Highlights from the publication include: 40,000 new jobs and volunteering opportunities including the 14,000 strong ‘Commonwealth Collective’ of Games-time volunteers.
The first Commonwealth Games to incorporate, measure and evidence the Social Value impacts and benefits of hosting the Games, offering a model to future host cities with £40 million of Social Value delivered so far.
Commonwealth Games Value Framework: Final report, opens in a new tab, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for the Commonwealth Games Federation, (December 2019). A new report evaluating the benefits and costs of hosting the Commonwealth Games, which is the largest and most detailed analysis of the event in history, has revealed that staging the competition has consistently provided an economic boost of over £1 billion for previous host cities along with an array of positive social and environmental benefits. Some of the key social benefits and costs identified were: Hosting the Games has catalysed regeneration and transformation of areas across the city and wider region – as seen in the reclamation of a former 146 hectare derelict site in East Manchester. It saw investment in sports, leisure and entertainment facilities, creating many thousands of jobs. House prices improved remarkably between pre and post Games position compared to Manchester and the wider region. £400 million was invested into new homes and communities.
Post-Games Sustainability Report, opens in a new tab, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, (August 2018). GC2018 was a transformational event for the Gold Coast, our event cities and communities throughout Queensland. It created new opportunities, built capacity and shaped an enduring legacy that will last beyond the Closing Ceremony. It is estimated that GC2018 had a cumulative viewing audience of 1.5 billion worldwide, reaching 16 million individuals in Australia alone. The GC2018 website had 113 million hits, while our social media channels had over 1.5 million followers, eclipsing previous Commonwealth Games records. There were more than 1.2 million spectators in the competition venues and over 1.1 million people experienced the Festival 2018 program held across Queensland. Delivering a GC2018 to international sustainable event management standards supported our Games Delivery Partner’s shared vision for a strong and diversified economy, a pristine natural environment and an active, inclusive Gold Coast community. Some key impact and legacy outcomes relating to inclusion: World-first commitment to delivery legacy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; first-time gender equality in medal events for men and women; Participation in Australia's first bench-marking program designed to measure inclusion of LGBTI people in sport; accessible venues for people with accessiblity requirements; largest para-sport program in Commowealth Games history - 38 medal events and 300 para-athletes; human rights policy, demonstrating commitment to the UN Guiding Principles; family friendly ticket prices from AU$10 and four free events.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 - Game On Down Under Event Review, Australian International Military Games Limited, (2018). This report is a snapshot of the highlights of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Some key numbers included: 491 competitors from 18 nations; 1263 volunteers; 105,000 spectators; 10,000+ primary and secondary students attended; 16 assistance dogs. One of the key objectives for Invictus Games Sydney 2018 was to focus attention on the needs of our veterans as they transition to civilian life. Some key outcomes included: RSL NSW, in conjunction with ClubsNSW and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), launching Veteran Sport Australia (VSA). The core principle of VSA is the health and wellbeing of our veterans. This program will encourage them to use the healing power of sport to engage with their community, whether at grassroots level or internationally.
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project, developed and delivered nationally through the NSW Department of Education, provides a valuable educational opportunity centred on inclusivity, mental health, physical health, the unconquered human spirit and resilience. The resources, opens in a new tab will be available in schools for years to come.
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Outreach program was hosted during the Games and featured a wide array of informative and challenging discussions in the areas of employment, volunteering and health. During the program, we secured from a range of organisations, their commitment to work with veterans on education and training options and to support employment opportunities.
Between February 2018 and the Opening Ceremony in October, more than 2,200 community events were held. The Community Engagement team presented on average 12 times a week to community organisations.
Research polls in December 2016 soon after the announcement that Sydney would host the Games; also in June 2018 and November 2018. 7 out of 10 Australians want to do their part to support wounded, injured and ill veterans.
93% of our volunteers and 90% of our subscribers say that based on their engagement with the Invictus Games the competitors are people they would like to work with.
A extremely high proportion of both groups (94% volunteers and 91% subscribers) are also now more likely to support initiatives that assist the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of servicemen and women than they were before the Invictus Games.
The Mega-Sporting Event Lifecycle: Embedding Human Rights from Vision to Legacy, opens in a new tab, Mega-Sporting Events Platform for Human Rights, (April 2018). Mega-sporting events (MSE) are the pinnacle of global sport, but cannot stand apart from their very significant social impacts – both positive and negative. Sporting events can enhance freedoms and celebrate human dignity, but can also amplify discrimination and abuse. It is critical to ensure that the world of sport is in full alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UN Guiding Principles) and other international human rights and related instruments, principles, and standards. This guide presents the lifecycle of a mega-sporting event, with specific elements of good practice at each stage that those involved in hosting the event should integrate into their planning, delivery and legacy in order to ensure a rights-compliant event.
The value of sport and active recreation to New Zealanders, opens in a new tab, Angus and Associates for Sport NZ, (May 2017). This research was designed to update and add to the sector’s understanding of the value that accrues from sport and active recreation and to consider how this value accrues differently to individuals, families, organisations, communities and the country as a whole. It was also designed to consider the many ways in which sport and recreation are said to deliver economic, social and cultural benefit: disaggregating the impacts of High Performance and Community sport where possible, while also helping to clarify the relationship between the two (for example, how achievements at a high performance level motivate participation in community sport, and how community sport creates a pathway to high performance sport). The report highlighted the role high performance sport can have in building and maintaining national identity and pride. Survey results reported that 86% of respondents believe that high performance sport instills both a sense of pride in their country, and contributes to the national identity. Additionally, the report indicates that 70% agreed that 'high performance sport brings communities together'.
Community Perceptions Survey 2017: Research Report, Essence Communications, [restricted access] (2017). In 2017, as part of the development of the National Sports Plan, the Australian Sports Commission commissioned Essence Communications to conduct a national survey. Through a nationally representative sample (n=3,541) the research sought to establish current perceptions of and the importance of goals for high performance sport, sport participation, cultural, and public health outcomes; expectations of opportunity and success; and current participation in physical activity and sport. Results were reported for key groups (such as gender; age segments; cultural background (CALD, LOTE, ATSI, recent migrants <5 years); income segments; and parents). A market segmentation analysis, based on behaviour and attitudes to physical activity and sport, was also used. The segmentation identified 5 key groups in the population, Club active fans (17%); Non–club active fans (21%), Sidelined advocates (10%), Active ambivalent (31%), and Inactive ambivalent (22%). The two sport ambivalent segments made up about 53% of the population. Some key findings in regards to high performance sport included: Reputation and identity — Australians generally believed that sport contributes to our national identity (78%), with a similar percentage saying it is important that Australia is respected on the international sporting stage (78%). A clear majority also believed that high performance sport gives Australia positive international exposure (77%). While representation in international sport instils pride (78%) it is also seen as very important that Australian athletes perform well (74%), with nearly half (45%) expecting Australia to be in the top 10 ten and over half (55%) expecting Australia to be in the top 20.
Major events — Australian's also believed that it is important for the Government to invest in attracting, securing, and hosting international sporting events (72%). While about 25% believed that these events can inspire Australians to participate in more sport, they are primarily seen as important for Australia's national and international reputation, as well as having community and economic benefits. These benefits include: national pride and identity (34%), putting Australia on the map (25%), attracting tourism to Australia (51%), and promoting Australia generally (44%). Economic benefits are seen as coming from attendance (32%), while promoting community engagement/involvement (including workforce, volunteers, participants, spectators, and supporters) was important to around 26%. Providing facilities to train and compete at and promoting sport were seen as having less impact (23% and 20%) but still relevant.
Community participation and engagement — in general, the majority of Australians believed that high performance sport benefits Australia. This included encouraging participation in sport itself (69%) and bringing communities together (69%). Additionally, most believed that the facilities/infrastructure for high performance sports/events provide opportunities for everyday Australians (64%). While these views were strongly held by pro–sport segments, agreement remained above 50% even for the ambivalent segments.
Investment and economic impact — the role of the government in supporting and investing in both community and high performance sport was seen as important by the majority of Australians, whether engaged or not engaged with sport. While this view is less likely in sport ambivalent segments it remained above 50% in all areas tested. Government investment in developing high performance athletes and sport was seen as important by 69% of respondents. And 66% believe that high performance sport makes a valuable contribution to Australia’s economy.
Evaluating the volunteering infrastructure legacy of the Olympic Games: Sydney 2000 and London 2012, opens in a new tab, Leonie Lockstone-Binney William, Kirsten Holmes, Richard Shipway, et.al., International Olympic Committee Advanced Research Grant Program 2015/16, (June 2016). Two research phases were conducted. Stage 1 involved a comprehensive review of secondary data on the Sydney and London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Stage 2 involved 27 interviews with key informants in each host city. The findings reveal limitations with legacy planning for each OCOG. While SOCOG had no specific remit for legacy planning, the voluntary sector led legacy efforts in Australia. In London there was Government-led legacy planning but the failure to engage with the voluntary sector hampered implementation. Recommendations are provided for host cities and the IOC to enable future Olympic Games host cities and countries to leverage from the Games volunteer programmes to generate wider benefits for their communities.
Where are the Indigenous and First Nations people in sport event volunteering? Can you be what you can’t see?, opens in a new tab Tracey Dickson, Stirling Sharpe, Simon Darcy, Tourism Recreation Research, (9 September 2022). Mega-sport events (MSE) are frequently cited for their developmental and legacy potentials for host communities, including tourism, sport participation and volunteering. MSE volunteer research has demonstrated the potential to develop volunteers who may contribute to the host community’s social and human capitals. However, little research considers how marginalised groups, such as First Nations or those with disability, may be co-providers of MSE experiences. This paper differs from a dominant quasi-scientific approach to empirical journal articles in that it begins with a reflexive posture drawing upon First nations pedagogy of storytelling. Reflecting upon the volunteers’ social context and drawing upon a dataset of volunteers across 6 MSE in 5 countries (2009–2016), this research explores to what extent First Nations volunteers are considered and included in MSE research and practice, and what differences may exist between First Nations volunteers and others regarding their motivations and future volunteering intentions. The results indicate that significantly more can be done to include First Nations people equitably and respectfully across the design, delivery, and legacy potential of MSE. The results inform a novel framework that provides a map for theory and practice, and thus praxis, for incorporating marginalised groups as full partners across the MSE journey.
Association between Olympic Games and children’s growth: evidence from China, opens in a new tab, Guo C, Hu X, Xu C, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 56(19), pp.1110-1114, (September 2022). To estimate the association between the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (BOG) and growth of children in China. A total sample of 6 951 children aged 3–10 years were included, among which 3 201 were interviewed in 2014 and 3 750 were interviewed in 2018. The BOG was used as a natural experiment. Exposure to the BOG was established by triple differences measured by age group, survey period and whether child participants were living in BOG areas or not, respectively. Children’s growth was assessed by binary variables of stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity. The difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) method was used to estimate the association between the BOG and children’s growth. The BOG was positively associated with healthier growth of children including decreased risks of both undernutrition and overnutrition. More attention should be given to the improvement of health surveillance and services before and after sporting events so that the active role of such mega-events in the lasting well-being of the public can be determined in more detail.
Social impact of events: advancing insights on social impact scales, opens in a new tab, Daichi Oshimi, Marijke Taks, Nola Agha, European Sport Management Quarterly, (18 May 2022). Past research has shown that pre-event measures of social impact are higher when worded in reference to a global other such as ‘the event creates new friendships’ instead of a more precise measurement referencing the self such as ‘I create new friendships because of the event’. No research has yet investigated if this holds true both before and after events. Nor has research investigated which social impact scale relates most precisely to event support. This paper addresses both of these gaps. Results suggest that wording social impact items in the first person is a more accurate reflection of reality to capture event impacts, particularly post-event and can better predict peoples’ support for future events.
Sport legacy impact on ethnic minority groups: the case of London 2012, opens in a new tab, Themis Kokolakakis, Fernando Lera-López, Sport in Society, Volume 25(4), pp.730-747, (2022). The sport legacy among ethnic minorities has been neglected despite the positive outcomes of active lifestyle and social inclusion. The current research, applying time series analysis, evaluates evidence of sport legacy among four English ethnic minorities regarding the hosting of Olympic Games (London 2012). A short-term association was found between hosting the Games and sport participation rates among ethnic groups, leading more to increasing frequency of engagement for existing participants than to attracting new participants. The results indicate differences among the ethnic groups and gender, showing that females from Asian ethnicities having the highest engagement. Practical implications for the governance of events in the future relate to improving the festival effect of the Games, to encourage social inclusion for ethnic minorities. Our results might encourage policy makers to maintain a sustained effort in the post-event period to capitalise on sport legacy.
Residents’ perceptions of sporting events: a review of the literature, opens in a new tab, Balázs Polcsik, Szilvia Perényi, Sport in Society, Volume 25(4), pp.748-767, (2022). Increasing attention has been devoted of late to perceptions of sporting events among host city residents. However, a comprehensive literature review that collects and summarizes the content of research in this area lacks scholarly approaches. This study aims to review the literature published between 2000 and 2020 in indexed, peer-reviewed periodicals on perceptions among host city residents. It also analyses the selected 43 papers in the sample with reference to theoretical approaches, methods and findings. It seems that understanding perceived potential social impacts of sporting events in a particular city is essential to the overall success of these events among local communities. Findings from the wide spectrum of studies reviewed can be used in event planning, communication strategies, implementation and reduction of negative impacts, while capitalizing on opportunities. Highlighting key topics and trends in the literature, this analysis also identifies both limitations and possible new research approaches.
Hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and wellbeing among Canadian youth, opens in a new tab, Georgia Teare, Luke Potwarka, Jordan Bakhsh, et al., European Sport Management Quarterly, Volume 21(5), pp.636-657, (June 2021). The current study examines the question: what were the associations between hosting the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, social wellbeing (i.e. sense of belonging), and subjective wellbeing (i.e. life satisfaction) among Canadian youth? Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (n > 1,000,000), a time series analysis of youths’ (aged 12–19) reports of perceived sense of belonging to their community and perceived life satisfaction across four time points before and after the Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games at the national, provincial, and regional levels was conducted. The number of youths who reported a strong sense of belonging to their community significantly increased in the host region of North Shore after the Games concluded (2011–2012 to 2013–2014). The number of youths who reported a strong sense of belonging to their community and high life satisfaction significantly increased from 2007–2008 (pre-event) to 2009–2010 in the host region of Richmond. This study provides preliminary evidence that mega-sport events might positively affect wellbeing of youth living in regions that house venues for the event. The study also demonstrates the temporary nature of positive social impacts. Suggestions for how to help create situations where positive social impacts are more likely, and to help maintain the wellbeing benefits of mega-sport events for youth populations are offered.
National pride, sporting success and event hosting: an analysis of intangible effects related to major athletic tournaments, opens in a new tab, Rasmus K. Storm, Tor Georg Jakobsen, International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Volume 12(1), pp.163-178, (2020). Contemporary research into the impact of major sports events shows that the widely used (and popular) claim of economic benefits associated with hosting them is misleading or – at best – overrated. In this paper, we aim to measure whether other potential intangible effects can be found, specifically that of national pride. We expand on existing research by including more international sports events and nations while also including a medal index into our regression models to test the effect of athletic achievement. Our results suggest that international sporting success is not a significant driver of national pride. Hosting mega sports events is positively correlated with pride, although this is not significant in our estimations. Implications for nations are that they should become much more strategic in order to harvest potential intangible effects.
The Perceived Influence of Sport Event Spectatorship on Subjective Wellbeing, opens in a new tab, Girish Ramchandani, Richard Coleman, Robbie Millar, Journal of Global Sport Management, (September 2019). The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived influence of major sports events on the subjective wellbeing of spectators. The research covered three sporting events featuring racket sports held in the UK between 2017 and 2018 and was concerned with spectators (aged 16 and over) who attended one of these events. Four aspects of subjective wellbeing were considered: life satisfaction, happiness, feeling worthwhile, and anxiety. A composite subjective wellbeing measure encompassing these aspects was also developed. Primary data were collected from spectators at each event and an overall spectator sample of 362 was achieved. Respondents perceived that their subjective wellbeing was enhanced significantly as a consequence of attending major sports events across all measures. We also found that frequency of event attendance and being inspired by events to be more physically active were positively and significantly associated with perceived improvements in subjective wellbeing attributed to attending events. Our study indicates that there are two potential mechanisms through which improvements in subjective wellbeing from attending major sports events are manifested. First, a direct effect of being at an event on subjective wellbeing. Second, an indirect effect of event attendance on subjective wellbeing that stems from a feeling of inspiration.
Does national pride from international sporting success contribute to well-being? An international investigation, opens in a new tab, Tim Pawlowski, Paul Downward, Simona Rasciute, Sport Management Review, Volume 17(2), pp.121-132, (May 2014). This paper addresses the hypothesis that investment in international sporting success creates pride from success, which contributes to subjective well-being. The findings do not support the hypothesis that pride following from sporting success can contribute distinctly to SWB. Moreover, the hosting of events may be more important than success at them, a point suggested by the positive association between attendance at sporting events and SWB.
Happiness, pride and elite sporting success: What population segments gain most from national athletic achievements?, opens in a new tab Kirstin Hallmann, Christoph Breuer, and Benedikt Kühnreich, Sport Management Review, Volume 16(2), pp.226-235, (May 2013). The aim of this paper is to analyse what factors influence perceived national pride and happiness when athletes succeed at major national and/or international competitions. Based on a nation-wide survey, data was collected from n = 2006 randomly selected Germans by means of a computer assisted telephone interview. The results reveal that 66.2% respondents felt proud and 65.6% respondents were happy when German athletes were successful at major events. Women, individuals with a low educational background, and low income and individuals having a migration background are the population segments who gain most from the sporting success of elite athletes. The results show in particular that the funding of elite sports and elite athletes can be considered as policy tool for social integration.
The trickle-down effect: what population groups benefit from hosting major sports events?, opens in a new tab Pamela Wicker, Popi Sotiriadou, International Journal of Event Management Research, Volume 8(2), (2013). This study analyses whether some population groups benefit from hosting a major sport event like the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games more than others. Results show that younger people, less educated people, and people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin are more likely to spend more time participating in sport as a result of Melbourne hosting the Commonwealth Games. Younger people with no formal education and people who are not in a relationship are more likely to take up a new activity. Older people, females, and the locals are more likely to gain a positive attitude. The results inform policy makers and sport event managers who plan for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.
The inspirational effects of three major sport events, opens in a new tab, Girish M. Ramchandani, Richard J. Coleman, International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Volume 3(3), pp.257-271, (2012). This article investigated whether attending one-of sports events might inspire audiences to increase participation in sport or physical activitiy. Based on data collected from spectators at 3 major UK events the authors found that around two-thirds of respondents reported that they had been inspired to increase their participation. The authors comment that it is reasonable that in order for 'trickle-down' effect to occur it is reasonable to assume that people must first be 'inspired' by event experiences, however, the provision of information about opportunities to undertake sport was also found to be the most important way to convert inspiration into participation.
Correlates of pride in the performance success of United States athletes competing on an international stage, opens in a new tab, Bryan Denham, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 45(4), (2010). This research examines how demographic and media-use measures associate with national pride, as experienced through the success of US athletes competing internationally. The results indicated greater levels of national pride among black males, older respondents, those who classified themselves as republicans, and those with lower levels of formal education. Exposure to newspapers and television did not generally prove statistically significant, although those exposed most frequently to television tended to agree in significantly higher numbers with the statement ‘When my country does well in international sports, it makes me proud to be an American.’
SA HB 204, Measuring Social Value – guidance on approach and methodologies, opens in a new tab, Standards Australia, (16 December 2022). Provides guidance and sets out a principle-based framework for measuring social impact, including eight principles, and recommends developing an impact thesis and using a scientific method. Intended to help decision makers determine the appropriate choice of measurement approach in the context of decisions they need to make. Social impact is defined as: positive or negative change in the lived experience of people beyond financial impact that can contribute to systemic or enduring change, usually defined in reference to 1) effects resulting from the initiative; 2) effects experienced by beneficiaries and all others affected; 3) what the situation would have been without the initiative. Valuation approaches can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, opens in a new tab, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, (2022).We want to ensure there are low or barrier free ways to access the Games and surrounding events. And every legacy programme will consider how it can reach and include the people who might not ordinarily take part. Social values charter, opens in a new tab, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, (February 2022).
Sustainability policy, opens in a new tab, Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games, (September 2017). We are committed to the following governing principles of sustainable development: Inclusivity – To ensure that all interested parties are able to participate without fear of discrimination; Integrity – To conduct GC2018 in an ethical manner, consistent with international standards of behaviour; Stewardship – To take responsibility for the economic, environmental and social outcomes to be shared by all; Transparency – To communicate willingly and openly about the decisions and activities that affect the social, environmental and economic outcomes of our actions; Leadership – To demonstrate leadership by delivering GC2018 to international standards, constantly improving our ways of working and meeting all legal and other requirements. Related documents include: Sustainability, opens in a new tab [website], Gold Coast 2018, (accessed 22 October 2021). As a transformational event, GC2018 presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainability by delivering to international standards of best practice, leaving positive economic, environmental, social and community legacies that last beyond the Closing Ceremony.
Towards a Sustainable GC2018, opens in a new tab, Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games, (September 2017). This sustainability framework “Towards a sustainable GC2018” was first published in 2014. Since that time, the organisation has undergone significant growth and evolution. Therefore, to ensure that GOLDOC’s approach to sustainability continues to evolve and in accordance with GOLDOC’s commitment to continual improvement, this document has been reviewed with minor updates incorporated.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Sustainability Plan, opens in a new tab, Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, (2016). The Tokyo 2020 Games set five main sustainability themes, which Tokyo 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Government of Japan and other delivery partners work on in preparations for and operations of the Games. In addition, Tokyo 2020 formulated the Tokyo 2020 Sustainable Sourcing Code as a tool to ensure sustainability throughout the supply chains of products and services Tokyo 2020 procures as well as licensed products. Human Rights, Labour and Fair Business Practices - We will operate the Games in accordance with the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Involvement, Cooperation and Communications (Engagement) - Through the participation and collaboration of entire society, we will create the Games which open to everyone.
eventIMPACTS, opens in a new tab, (accessed 13 January 2023). Developed by a consortium of UK-based organisations that have an interest in staging or supporting major public events, the eventIMPACTS ToolKit is intended to provide organisers and supporters of public events with some key guidance and good practice principles for evaluating the Economic, Social, Environmental and Media related impacts associated with their event. Each area of impact has links to the available supporting documents, case studies and survey tools.
Access to resources
Where possible, direct links to full-text and online resources are provided. However, where links are not available, you may be able to access documents directly by searching our licenced full-text databases (note: user access restrictions apply). Alternatively, you can ask your institutional, university, or local library for assistance—or purchase documents directly from the publisher. You may also find the information you’re seeking by searching Google Scholar, opens in a new tab.
Engaging the community

Resources and reading

Articles

Reports

Research

Standards

Strategies

Tools

Working together for Australian sport
