Kuala Lumpur Versus Montreal for Common Wealth Games Hosting - Case Study Example

 Kuala Lumpur versus Montreal for Common Wealth Games Hosting Introduction The Commonwealth Games is an international event that involves various sporting activities, athletics especially. The event, previously known as the British Empire Games, involves athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations with an aim of “uniting the commonwealth through sport”. The Commonwealth Games was first played in 1930 and is held every four years under the organization of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Although the event is held in abidance with the four year schedule, the Commonwealth Games schedule was interrupted by the Second World War in 1942. It was then set to be held in Montreal. In 1946 the event was temporarily abandoned following the outcome of the war and has henceforth continued beginning 1950. The Commonwealth Games as an event normally sees such sporting activities as athletics, boxing, fencing, golf, gymnastics, tennis, Taekwondo, netball, rowing, rugby wrestling and weightlifting, just to mention a few, take place. In total, 21 sports have been approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation for the event. The games are categorized into three; core sports, optional sports and recognized sports. In every Commonwealth Games event, the core sports must be featured at the very least. Several optional sports may be picked for playing by the host nation. The recognized sports on the other hand can only be picked if the federation’s requirements in respect of the same have been fulfilled. Hosting of the international event is normally a privilege to the host country as it stands to gain in various aspects. The host country gains economically, socially and politically while at the same time receiving international attention and recognition. The massive influx of tourists and sport participants sees the host country earn a lot of foreign exchange as its nationals offer services to the visitors. Furthermore, the country’s gross domestic product for the year is bound to increase following the increase in business before, during and after the event. Two cities that have sought to host the Commonwealth Games are Kuala Lumpur and Montreal. The paper discusses the two countries in view of their suitability as hosts for the international event. Based on the discussion, a conclusion will be made stating which of the two cities is more suitable as host to an international event of this capacity. Factors to Consider when Seeking to Host the Commonwealth Games The Commonwealth Games is an international event that attracts several athletes, participants, commentators, media, organizers, business organizations, government agencies and international organizations. In fact, the event commands such an enormous spectator base that it is almost a global event. Planning for an event of this magnitude demands a lot of care and massive amounts of resources. As such, the city that hosts such an event should have proper infrastructure in place. In particular, the city should have modern, efficient and reliable telecommunication, water supply, power, and transport systems. Furthermore, the social amenities in the city should be functional, efficient and with the capacity to provide quality services to the population even in the event of a crisis. In the wake of terrorist threats and all kinds of crime, the host city, and by extension country should have a good security force in place to ensure that crime is kept to the minimum level possible. The Commonwealth Games features several games with some being played concurrently considering time and resource constraints. In this respect, the host city should have well maintained modern sport facilities and venues including stadiums, pavilions, and theatres. In addition, the city and its environs should have adequate high class accommodation, hotel, and recreational facilities both for the domestic and international tourists. Kuala Lumpur Background Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. It is located on the Klang Valley and is credited for being one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the country. It has an estimated population of 1.6 million people according to Map of the World (2012). It is known to be a cultural, educational centre, with various economic activities driving its Malaysia. Established in the 1850, the city holds the legislature of the country together with the palace of the Malaysian king. The city enjoys great diversity in terms of culture as it hosts people of Indian, Malay, and Chinese origins. Previous events held Kuala Lumpur was privileged to host the xvi Commonwealth Games in 1998 which ran from 11th September to 21 September. This event saw Kuala Lumpur establish massive constructions, media and medical amenities which are required fundamental for the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games. Malaysia considered hosting the Commonwealth Games a challenge and used it to show the world that it had become one of South East Asia’s major economic powers. During the event, Malaysia was represented by 440 team members according to Australian Commonwealth Games Association (2007). The country dominated the event and won 198 medals including 80 gold, 61 silver and 57 bronze medals. Government strategies in place As previously noted, Kuala Lumpur is the legislative capital of Malaysia and the seat of the country’s parliament. The city has a local government that overseeing the services provided by the city as well as its development. The administrative duties of the city are conducted by the City Hall of Kuala Lumpur under the Federal Territories Ministry of Malaysia. The local government of the city works toward the development and implementation of the town plan, environmental protection and economic growth. Given the position of the city as a centre of government activities, it enjoys high security and has several high class recreational centers. The government of Malaysia takes keen interest in attracting tourists and has modernized most of the city’s infrastructure. Infrastructure Kuala Lumpur enjoys a good road network, rail transport and air transport. The city’s roads, express ways and highways are wide, built to international standards. Motorists in the city have to pay toll fees before crossing the highways and expressways. These go a long way in maintaining and improving the transport systems of the city. Kuala Lumpur has a Rapid Transit System which is made up of three modern railway systems which run through Klang valley. Apart from rail and road, Kuala Lumpur has two airports; Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang airport. The two airports are generally adequate to serve the population of visitors that may grace an event of international capacity. Public support The public of Malaysia supported the previously held Commonwealth Games by turning up in large numbers to cheer their sportsmen and women. This has indeed been a trend in respect of the functions that Malaysia has hosted. Furthermore, during the previous Commonwealth event, several volunteer medics offered to provide their expert services in dealing with emergencies or injuries. It is not uncommon for several Malaysian companies to offer support in planning for and hosting public event. In many occasions, companies, private institutions and government agencies have offered all manner of support to ensure that the country succeeds in hosting local and international events. Benefits for city hosting With the hosting of an international event, Kuala Lumpur is bound to benefit in terms of infrastructural improvement. It would also earn a lot of money from the tourists while at the same time gaining international recognition. Montreal Background Montreal is one of Canada’s cities, second largest in the country. The city has an estimated population of about two million, the metropolitan area population standing at close to four million. Located mainly situated in an Island, the city is also Canada’s most reputable cultural centre (Poirier, 1979). It is also a major commerce, technology, industry and finance centre in the country. The city has four seasons, the winter season often being cold, snowy and windy, unsuitable for most sporting events. The summer season is however favorable for most of these events. It enjoys a stable economy having the second largest GDP in country. The city has several sport facilities and a few stadiums including the Molson Stadium. Previous events held Montreal has hosted a number of international events in the past. In 1976, for example, the city hosted the Summer Olympic Games (Livesey, 2005). In 2006, it hosted the World Outgames which attracted more than 16000 participants who engaged in over 30 sporting activities. Infrastructure Montreal has a serious problem in respect of road transport. According to CTV News (2011), one third of Montreal’s infrastructure needs repair, most of them being in critical condition. According to a report, of the 555 pieces of infrastructure evaluated in the city, 81 were generally deteriorating, 38 were in below average condition, 44 were deficient and 12 were in the most critical shape (CTV News, 2011). According to the news agency, thirty percent of the city’s infrastructure including roads, bridges, and tunnels needs to be reconditioned. The city has two international airports; one for cargo and the other for passenger flights only. The city also has a railway network is in working condition with nothing much to boast about. Public support Canada has a lively population that is greatly attracted to sporting events. During such events, a huge population gives support especially by cheering the country’s team (Jean-Claude, 1990). Several organizations offer support in kind in to ensure that the international and local events succeed. Benefits for city hosting In the event that an international event is organized in Montreal, the city is bound to benefit politically, socially and economically (Poirier, 1979). For one, hosting the Commonwealth Games will see the city’s infrastructure refurbished. Due to the number of tourists and visitors anticipated, the city is bound to see a significant growth in GDP. Yet again, the city would enjoy international recognition as in the case of Kuala Lumpur. Conclusion In conclusion, the Commonwealth Games should be held in Kuala Lumpur rather than Montreal. Kuala Lumpur has held the Commonwealth Games before so it is better placed in hosting a similar event. The city is also safe and secure with stable and high class infrastructure compared to its counterpart. On the other hand, the infrastructure of Kuala Lumpur is okay so there will be no need of major reconstructions. References Australian Commonwealth Games Association. (2007). 1998:  XVI Commonwealth Games - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Retrieved February 1, 2012 http://www.commonwealthgames.org.au/templates/Games_PastGames_1998.htm Commonwealth Games Federation (2012).Uniting the Commonwealth Through Sport. Retrieved February 1, 2012 http://www.commonwealthgames.com/ CTVnews. (2011). One-third of Montreal infrastructure needs repair: report. Retrieved February 1, 2012 http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20110914/montreal-bridges-110914 Jean-Claude M. (1990). Montreal in evolution. An historical analysis of the development of Montreal's architecture. Montréal, Qc: Les Éditions de l'Homme. Livesey H. (2005). Frommer's Montréal & Québec City 2006. Canada. Frommers Map of the World (2012). Kuala Lumpur. Retrieved February 1, 2012 http://www.mapsofworld.com/cities/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/events.html Poirier, Jean (1979). "Commission de toponymie du Québec". Île de Montréal. 5. Quebec: Canoma. pp. 6–8. Appendix 1 Fig 1: Turcot Interchange deterioration Courtesy of ctvmontreal.ca Appendix 2 Turcot Interchange Reports Show Deterioration MONTREAL — Quebec's Transport Ministry has released long-awaited inspection reports on the Turcot Interchange detailing the need for extensive maintenance and repairs until the structure is replaced. In a press conference Friday, Transport Minister Pierre Moreau admitted that the old interchange "is at the end of its useful life" and will require more attention in the next few years. But he also tried to reassure motorists that the structure is safe and routinely inspected, saying it's the most closely monitored structure in Canada. Repairs and upkeep are expected to cost $254 million between now and when the interchange is replaced in 2018. Built in time for Expo 1967, the Turcot Interchange is a sprawling collection of roadways where the Ville Marie Expressway converges with Highways 15 and 20. It has been subject to numerous repairs and closures as engineers and construction crews patched holes and weakened pillars. The interchange's replacement will cost an estimated $3 billion, up 50 per cent from the original $2 billion cost projected by the provincial government. The new interchange will have a capacity of about 300,00s0 vehicles per day, while currently 280,000 vehicles use the interchange daily. Source: http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111125/mtl_turcot_111125/20111125/?hub=MontrealHome Appendix 3 Concrete sunscreens to be removed from Viger Tunnel MONTREAL — Three months after a 25-tonne concrete slab collapsed on the Ville Marie Expressway, Transport Quebec is seeking to have the rest of the sunscreens removed from the entrance to the Viger Tunnel. In the week after the fall the remaining 'paralumes' were reinforced with support pillars that block the left-hand lane of the eastbound 720. Rather than try to replace the screens, or build a less-bulky support structure, Transport Quebec has decided to do away with them altogether. "We're talking about 154 paralumes," said Caroline Larose, a spokeswoman for the government ministry. "They are all resting on 18 beams so we'll be removing all of it." The only purpose for the concrete gridwork was to screen the sun for drivers and help their eyes adjust to the darkness within the tunnel. Over recent weeks more lights have been added to the tunnel to let drivers see. Transport Quebec will issue a call for bids this week, and hopes work will be completed by mid-December with only one weekend closure. Report due in mid-December Who is responsible for the collapse of the concrete slab in July has yet to be determined. Construction crews were doing work on the tunnel when the slab fell, and a preliminary report indicated that too much concrete was removed from a support pillar before the slab fell. The firm doing the work has said it was following Transport Quebec's recommendations to the letter, so if too much was removed, the fault lies with the firm that made the recommendation. The final report into the collapse should be completed by mid-December. Source: http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111019/mtl_paralume_111019/20111019/?hub=MontrealHome Read More