A Cardiff University academic Dr Calvin Jones will give evidence to the Communities and Culture committee on Thursday (28 January 2010) about making the most of major sporting events.
In his evidence he points out that the literature suggests that the benefits of major events have often been overstated by event proponents.
Academics have estimated the short term expenditure related benefits of events such as Rugby World Cup (£45m), FA Cup (£2m in 2005), Heineken Cup (£26m), Wales Rally GB (£4m – £7m) and with these in most cases significantly greater public sector support for that event.
Dr Calvin Jones said:
“Wales has an undoubted strength in the hosting of major events.”
In his evidence he states: “Events might complement mainstream economic and social/health policies, or act as a catalyst and a focus but they will always, by virtue of their fleeting nature, be of less importance than day-to-day interventions.
“There must be an established method of assessing (at least) the economic and perhaps the social, cultural and health impact of events which can be applied to any that apply for Assembly support and which has teeth.”
Dr Jones suggests the Welsh government should seek to develop a portfolio of events that addresses different outcomes. He also recommends more pre-bid scrutiny and attracting more environmentally sustainable events in the future.
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks added:
“We have had great opportunities to welcome into Wales events which take place on the world stage – the Ashes in Cardiff last year and now the Ryder Cup. For whole weeks at a time, Wales will be in the living rooms right around the globe. Having discussed this with Plaid Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones I know he is keen to use sporting events held in Wales to promote the story of Wales and our sense of place in the world.”
