Olympics....in general.

[dropCGCF]

The Olympics attract tourism and crappy worthless merchandise. I don't think it helps countries other than giving them bragging rights.

[Fox 6]

Greece is a very small country, and they have to pay for all the security wich i think is around 4 - 5 millions dollars. They can pay for it but they think other countries should contribute money to help protect thier althletes

[mickydaniels]

Well, every city that has hosted the Olympics since 1976 has lost money, and Montreal is still paying back bonds form the '76 games.

[MasterMind]

Originally Posted by mickydaniels

Well, every city that has hosted the Olympics since 1976 has lost money, and Montreal is still paying back bonds form the '76 games.

Thats more of what I was expecting to hear. If you know you're going to lose money, then why bother? I guess it is for the bragging rights?

If the olympic comittee does fund buildings, I could see why countries are more willing to host the games though.

[Typhoid]

The Olympic cities always lose a bit of money. Because for the vast majority they have to spend millions ( sometimes billions..) of dollars, and some cities dont get nearly that much.

But i know for Vancouver, they have to build a couple new rinks, a speed skating oval, and bobsled stuff up at Whistler, all stuff that can make money in the long run. So I guess it all depends on how big your city is in tourism.