The 2012 Olympics are set to get underway in London on Friday. A grand opening ceremony is expected to set the tone for the world’s biggest sporting event.
The Games, however, have been marred by controversies and scandals well before they get underway.
The biggest problem being faced by the organisers is that of security, after the security firm handed the task for the Games was unable to provide the required number of personnel in time. Following this, personnel from the armed forces and emergency staff were called in by organisers in order to ensure security measures are in place at all venues involved in the Games.
The post-Games problems have also been covered in great detail in the local and international media. Some of these include the displacement and relocation of inhabitants of East London, the area where Olympic Park and Athletes Village have been built.
Friday’s opening ceremony may also lose some of its charm after it was reported that several athletes have pulled out of the grand opening over fears of affecting their fitness and performance.
While organisers and former and current government officials have been quick to defend the preparations, it remains to be seen if London will be able to live up to the hype.
Will the London Games be successful in terms of organisation and operations?
How will the organisers cope with the late revelations of problems plaguing last-minute arrangements?
Will the on-field performances be able to make up for the off-field problems?
Dawn.com invites its readers to share their views and opinions…
The “best games ever” — for the US, China Great Britain — for Pakistan and India — the less said the better.
it was an average ceremony, let’s not disregard the people who worked on it, they did made an effort and they did it all in the middle of gfc and european crisis. there was no “ohhh” moment during the ceremony and the only think stood up was the olympic torch and the way it was set up, it was brilliant. The best opening ceremony so far in my view is Beijing 2008, now THAT was some ceremony.
It was the worst Olympic opening ceremony I have ever seen. So much for the best games ever. The gaffes are just too many. Waving flag of one country for another to relocation of inhabitants and all those sideline scandals. It definitely will be the worst games ever.
The “white west” is all about superiority complex anymore and thinks no one is better or can do better than them and while they are at it, they embarrass themselves to pits, but thanks to their ever controlled media, everything will be white washed and they will emerge as heroes and their mistakes will look like their achievements.
Just watched the inaugural ceremony and I must admit It is a complete blunder and total horror show! Probably one of the worst Ive witnessed for any kind of inauguration of an event as big as olympics. What a shame!
Great Briton has been famous for its organization and administration to the minutest detail, throughout the history. I am sure everything will be worked out safely and magnificently! Let them set a record and an example for the rest of world. I wish them Good Luck!