Mega sporting events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and FIFA World Cup, have long been seen as catalysts for national pride, global recognition, and economic growth. While these events bring undeniable excitement and spectacle, their long-term impact on host communities is often a matter of ongoing debate. In particular, the question of how these events can transform attitudes toward disability, accessibility, and inclusion is gaining increasing attention. Dr. Laura Misener, researcher, professor and Director of the School of Kinesiology at Western University, has spent years exploring how major sports events, particularly those involving athletes with disabilities, can act as a force for lasting social change.
In conversations with Dr. Misener, it’s clear that while the economic and infrastructural benefits of hosting a mega event are widely discussed, the potential for social transformation through sport is less often explored. As Dr. Misener points out, the true value of these events isn’t just in the grandeur of the spectacle or the immediate financial gains but in how they can shift societal attitudes and create lasting change, particularly around issues of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
The social impacts of mega events: Beyond the spectacle
When discussing the broader impact of mega sport events, Dr. Misener emphasizes that the costs associated with hosting these events, financial, environmental, and human, are considerable. The sheer scale of such events demands massive investments. Yet the benefits, while often promoted, aren’t always as clear-cut.
There isn’t a straightforward answer to whether these events are worth it, Dr. Misener explained. Each city, community, and country needs to assess what they’re willing to invest and what they hope to gain.
She adds that while hosting a large-scale event like the Olympics or Paralympics might bring about certain positive changes, the full benefits are not automatic. Communities must actively invest in post-event programs, infrastructure, and long-term grassroots sport development to ensure lasting change.
We need to ask, ‘How can we use this event to create lasting social impact?’ she said, stressing the importance of local investment beyond the initial glitz and glamour.
This echoes a critical insight: the long-term social benefits of hosting a mega sport event depend on the efforts made after the athletes leave and the crowds disperse. Without follow through, these events risk becoming little more than expensive, underutilized venues or a “white elephant” that symbolizes missed opportunity rather than progress.
Building a legacy that lasts
So, what is required to ensure that the positive effects of hosting a mega sporting event endure long after the final medal is awarded? Dr. Misener argues that a robust legacy plan is essential. This plan should go beyond the physical infrastructure left behind, focusing instead on the social infrastructure necessary to continue the momentum for change.
“The event in and of itself isn’t enough,” Dr. Misener noted. “We need to make sure there’s local investment in coaching programs, sport clubs, and facilities that support both elite and recreational participation.”
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One noteworthy example is London 2012, which made proactive investments to ensure that the legacy of the Games would extend beyond the closing ceremony. Vancouver 2010 also took similar steps, though they weren’t as widely publicized. Investments in local health programs, literacy initiatives, and accessible playgrounds have continued to benefit the community long after the Games.
However, Dr. Misener highlights that it’s often the less glamorous projects, the ones that focus on making sport accessible to all, that yield the most significant and enduring social benefits. While media attention was focused on grand infrastructural projects like the Sea-to-Sky Highway, the true community transformation in Vancouver came through its emphasis on grassroots sport development, particularly in creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Vancouver 2010 did a lot of work on community development, she said. While the big-ticket items got the most media attention, the lasting impact has been seen in the grassroots initiatives that continue to this day.
Para sport and social change
Dr. Misener’s research eventually shifted focus to explore the role of Para sport in fostering social inclusion. This shift was driven by her realization of the gaps in existing research on the impact of disability-specific sport events, particularly the Paralympic Games. Historically, the focus has been on mainstream events like the Olympics, with little attention given to how these events can transform attitudes and perceptions of disability.
There was very little research on the impact of disability-specific sport events, Dr. Misener said. The Paralympic movement has always had an agenda focused on legacy, but no one was really looking at how these events could influence things like accessibility and inclusion in host communities.
This lack of research motivated Dr. Misener to explore how Para sport events might drive social change, especially in terms of raising awareness of disability-related issues and creating more inclusive communities. Her work, which has examined events like the Commonwealth Games and the Pan/Parapan American Games, found that the structure of these events plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of disability.
The Commonwealth Games, which includes both able-bodied and para-athletes competing together, proved to be less effective in changing public perceptions. In contrast, the Pan/Parapan American Games, which were held separately, resulted in a more focused engagement with para-athletes and their stories.
“The distinct separation allowed people to really engage with the athletes and learn more about their experiences,” Dr. Misener explained, adding that the social impact extended far beyond the games themselves. In Toronto, for instance, the Parapan American Games led to the creation of the Ontario Parasport Collective, a lasting initiative that continues to grow sport opportunities across the province for people with disabilities.
The future of accessibility: Technology and policy
Dr. Misener’s work is not just about understanding the impact of mega sporting events on host communities; it also encompasses policy and the role of technology in enhancing accessibility. Despite Canada’s long-standing leadership in disability access, Dr. Misener is concerned that the country may be falling behind, particularly when compared to other nations, especially in Asia.
“Countries in Asia are surpassing Canada when it comes to using technology to enhance accessibility in sport,” Dr. Misener explained. Virtual reality, robotics, and touchpad technology are already being used in places like the Paralympic Games in Paris to make sports more inclusive, allowing people with disabilities to experience sport in ways never before possible. These advancements are about making both sports and the spectator experience more accessible for all, emphasizing that inclusion should not only apply to athletes but also to fans.
Despite these technological advancements, Dr. Misener acknowledges that technology alone cannot address all the challenges facing accessibility in sport. As she works alongside organizations like the Canadian Paralympic Committee, her efforts focus on pushing for more equitable event structures and long-term strategies for embedding accessibility into host communities.
She notes that major sporting events are often planned with short-term goals in mind, focusing on the immediate task of delivering the event itself. The real work begins after the event, when it’s time to ensure that the benefits of hosting are realized long after the athletes leave.
A lasting impact
Dr. Misener’s research reinforces a crucial point: hosting a mega sporting event is just the beginning of a much larger process. To truly leave a lasting social impact, event organizers must focus not only on physical accessibility but also on creating a lasting culture of inclusion and engagement. It is through strategic planning, community involvement, and technological innovation that these events can leave a legacy that benefits not just athletes, but the broader community for years to come.