Games people play: Why countries should not boycott the Olympics

 

The Olympics are getting closer and the concerns about boycotting are growing. Many groups and organisations are pressurising for the boycott of the Games - they are worried about pollution factors and human rights violations in Tibet and Burma.

China were awarded the Olympics in 2001 since when they have been developing the stadia and infrastructure. And the Chinese government, aware of the importance of PR, are training up officials in the English language. They are also doing their bit for the environment - the Beijing National stadium and Aquatic Centre are power-saving venues.

The cost of building the 31 venues is estimated at $2.1bn. The Chinese are waiting to extend their hospitality to the world as well as help reduce pollution.

And pollution is a problem which the whole of humanity faces. Any country that threatens to boycott the Olympics because of this issue should come clean itself because pollution exists everywhere.