Join the discussion: The Impact of the 2024 Paris Olympics?

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was just concluded. It was a spectacular event, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

However, it had quite a number of controversies, such as the opening ceremony, the gender row in boxing, the doping accusations. 

As a massive event, it offers us a good to opportunity to reflect on the broader impacts of the Olympics on sports in particular and on society in general.

Some of possible points for discussion are the following positive effects:

• The Olympics brought athletes together in a way that was unimaginable until it actually happened. The most striking one was when Chinese, North Korean and South Korean athletes were taking selfies together. So, do you think Olympics will contribute to bringing unifications of countries?
• Olympic athletes became role models. This is happening everywhere. In Hong Kong, people are signing up fencing classes because we won two gold medals. Can you share any stories of athletes who have inspired you or others?
• People claim that hosting the Olympics can provide a significant economic boost to the host city through tourism, infrastructure development, and job creation. What are some potential long-term benefits for Paris from hosting the 2024 Olympics?

There were also negative sides:

• While the Olympics can bring economic benefits, they also come with a hefty price tag. This is a major reason that many cities quit bidding for the next event. Do you think the benefits outweigh the costs?
• The pollution of the river Seine made top headlines during the Olympics. It was probably not what the organisers wanted to highlight, when they tried to promote their effort to minimise the ecological footprint of the 2024 Paris Olympics. What is your opinion on that?
• The issue of doping continued, as well as gender rows. Can the International Olympic Committee ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the games?

What do you think?

If you have interesting ideas about these points or other related issues, and also love a chance to practice speaking about them in Mandarin, this is your chance.

Details about this session is below:

Topic: The Impact of the 2024 Paris Olympics?

• 1:00 PM - 2:00PM, September 19, 2024, Thursday (HK time).
• Online
• HKD150 per person (Maximum 6 participants)

Register before September 16, 2024. 

Use this Google form to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO4UA-zDF9kmJdMHenLDlFgrCIHU1JWL1o4-IT885EYko9GQ/viewform 

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More about this course:

“What Is Your Opinion” is a platform for high level Chinese language learners to share their views and thoughts on a wide range of events which are shaping our world, and of course, to practice speaking Mandarin as well.

This course is a natural extension for students who have completed the Mandarin Express series (or equivalent) and would like to have a platform to further their study by engaging in topical discussions.

It’s best for students who are interested in world events, including but not solely about events which China’s stances influence the outcome.

Read more about this course here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=241&catid=11 

If you’d like to see a list of all Chinese courses on offer, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons 

If you’d like to check out all upcoming group classes, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=93&catid=11