The world of international sports is one of the most recognizable aspects of any culture, and watching local teams play is a great way to become part of a city while studying or interning abroad. In fact, attending a sporting event can help you feel at home in your new host country, especially when that goal is scored and the crowd goes wild!
The concept of international sport dates back to ancient Greece, where city states would travel to Olympia to compete in competitions. The games were a way to temporarily put aside internal struggles and focus on the competition at hand, which is an early form of diplomacy and peacemaking. As the world became more interconnected, sport went global. In 1882, the first international cricket match was held and the following year saw the formation of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). As transportation and communication improved, more and more events took place between teams from different countries and in a variety of locations.
Aside from a boost in tourism, hosting a major international sporting event can also raise a city’s or nation’s profile on the world stage. The Olympic bid process, for example, asks hosts to show how they can improve the city’s infrastructure and promote its cultural heritage. Those who lobby for such events can have a significant impact and, in some cases, even influence the results.
While international sports can have many positive effects, they are not without problems. For instance, corruption within sport is widespread and can result in athletes being exploited by their governments. In addition, the power and financial clout of the industry can make it difficult to challenge unethical practices. For these reasons, AIFS Abroad encourages you to be aware of issues surrounding international sports and to consider ethical considerations before supporting or participating in a sporting event.