International+Sport

The wealth and level of economic dev’t of a country plays a role in the participation and success of sporting events. Sporting facilities are expensive. This has led to wealthy nations participating in sports like golf, rugby, baseball, basket ball etc with great success. There might be exceptions. Economic factors also affect the ability of a country to host a particular sporting event. Does the country have the necessary financial resources to host the event? The financial reward that goes with winning the event also determines whether individuals or nations are willing to participate and succeed in it. World Cup SA 2010 30million reward for winner. []
 * Factors affecting participation //and success// of sporting events **
 * 1. Economic factors: **

Some countries participate in some sporting events as a show of national pride. E.g in the 1950s USSR and USA used sports to show that they are the superpowers of the world. But this does not always mean the superpower will succeed in the sporting event. E.g. The performance of USA, England, Japan and France in World Cup SA 2010. Some people cannot afford to pay the membership fees of some sports. Eg. Golf and boxing. This makes some sports classy. Some countries participate and succeed in sports as a show of their national identity. E.g USA is noted a powerful basket ball nation and Australians are noted as the world’s best swimmers. This often leads to chances of the country succeeding in the sport.
 * Social factors: **

The low participation of women in sports in Islamic states, esp. in swimming and athletics. Some countries tend to engage in some sporting events as a form of cultural sport. Example is English playing in almost all world cup soccer matches. Ethiopians and Kenyans are noted for long distance sports as a form of cultural even.
 * Cultural factors: **

If a country or city is noted for competing in an event, they will tend to have large number of clubs. England has long been noted as a soccer nation. Hence many English clubs participate at many different levels. However, countries like China are only just picking up on football.

Climate affects the location and participation of events such as skiing. This limits such events to areas such as the Alps. Coastal areas with breaking waves produce perfect conditions for surfing, such as in Hawaii and California.Hilly areas promote biking. Some suggest that the red blood cells become concentrate with height, which favors long-distance running, partly explaining why Kenyans and Ethiopians are good long-distance runners.
 * Physical factors: **


 * Examine the factors affecting the sphere of influence of a sporting event**
 * Growth in popularity
 * Increased advertising and marketing in new areas
 * Increased exposure in different media
 * Increased wealth and development allow for growth of new markets
 * Impact of globalization
 * Impact of global competitions sparking interest
 * Greater population mobility.

__Definition:__ The sphere of influence, or catchment area in terms of sports is the area from which the sporting event draws its competitors and supporters. It is influenced by factors such as;

__Advertisement and marketing in new areas__: When a football club advertises its souvenirs and events in new areas in order to increase its supporter base as well as to draw new competitors and players.
 * Rich countries such as Manchester and Chelsea have been known to tour to places such as China and Barcelona to play games and market merchandise.


 * Scouting out for young players in various areas provides another avenue for advertisements by announcing the clubs’ presence.
 * Football teams like Chelsea have a large fan base in Africa because of their African players.

The second factor in terms of the sphere of influence is the __growth in popularity of the sporting event in question.__
 * How popular is the sport in the world?
 * Lesser known sports like baseball in comparison to large sports like football.

__Increased Wealth And Development In The Country:__ If the citizens are high income earners, they can afford to patronise sporting events through stadium attendance, television views, souvenirs etc. And are more likely to support through these means.

__The Impact Of Global Competition:__ To what extent are the clubs able to compete with one and other in other parts of the world?

__The Level Of Globalisation Of A__ Country: If a country is more globalised they are more likely to appreciate sporting events, they are more likely to appreciate international sporting events, therefore increasing sphere of influence. If a country is not globalised

__Level Of Technological Advancement:__­ If the country is technologically advanced, children can play video games based on the sporting events of popular clubs which predisposes them towards the sports.

__Growth in Popularity__: Well-known sports have a wider sphere of influence.


 * FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE HOME LOCATION OF TEAMS**

Sports teams are named after the locations from which they come. Countries like Chelsea have a large enough supporter base that teams in Ghana are named after them.

Popular British teams: Manchester, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Hotspurs, Popular Ghanaian teams: Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics.

__Population Density:__ Teams or clubs tend to locate where there is a high population density. Hence the number of teams in London. Reasons:
 * Factors that influence the location of a sports club or team:**
 * Increase supporter base
 * Selection of players

__Socio-Economic Factors:__ The wealth or income of the people in the cities and countries. Cities with a high income per capita are more likely to patronise sporting events because their citizens can afford tickets.

__Cultural And Historical Factors:__ If a country or city is noted for competing in an event, they will tend to have large number of clubs. England has long been noted as a soccer nation. Hence many English clubs participate at many different levels. However, countries like China are only just picking up on football.

__Government and Private investment__: Government investment in infrastructure to support sports development, meant to attract young people to a sporting event, it is more likely that many teams will emerge from such cities or countries. China, for example is investing heavily into football infrastructure. in spor

__Proximity to Competing Teams:__ If many teams are located close to each other, they are likely to compete against each other frequently, meaning that they have many games to advertise.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
 * Referring to a national sports league. Explain the factors that have determined the location of its sports teams.
 * Referring to the map, explain three factors that influence the shape of the catchment area.
 * Examine the use of sports and recreation as a regeneration strategy in one or more urban areas.

media type="custom" key="27536546" Questions 1. Explain what you understand by carrying capacity and state four factors affecting carrying capacity in rural tourism. Using examples, discuss the economic costs and benefits of tourism to LEDCs. //[10 marks]//
 * Evaluate the short- and long‑term geographic costs and benefits of hosting an event at both the local and national level.**
 * Case study:**
 * 1. FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014**
 * 2.** Follow this link to view a Sharon Nyarko's presentation on the costs and benefits of Beijing Olympics 2008: