In 2003, Prague Mayor Pavel Bem told International Olympic Committee members that his city would put forth its candidacy for a future summer Olympiad. Despite a wave of criticism, the city plans to submit its application in July 2007 to host either the 2016 or the 2020 summer games. And now Pavel Bem says that there may be a national referendum on the Olympic question.

Prague’s Mayor, Pavel Bem, has stated that he is open with the idea of holding a national referendum on the question of whether the people would welcome the idea of the city hosting the 2016 or 2020 Olympic Summer Games.

What’s the deal, you wonder?

Well, there have been reports that majority of the population is against it seeing that they much rather spend the money on infrastructure and city-wide developments than on building sports facilities, they are concerned with the cost of hosting the Olympic Games.

Some are apprehensive due to their fear of repercussions on their historic centre when a massive number of people comes for the Games.

And on a legal stand point, there is no law on how they can conduct a referenda. The last time the country ever discussed holding one was before Czechoslovakia broke apart and they were deciding on the existence of a country. The time when they actually held a referenda was regarding the vote on membership to the European Union.

Simply put, the issue about holding a referenda to find out whether to host the Olympic Games or not, is trivial compared to the facts stated.

I reckon the media and the public views this desire to host the Games by Bem is a part of a political agenda of his party. Uh, okay. Mr. Mayor may be over-reaching it a bit by casually dishing out statements that somewhat resembles concern for the people, i.e. the national referendum. It is rather dodgy. If there’s no law for it, how can it come to pass and be effective? Alright. They can set up a special or temporary law like the last time but wouldn’t it be costly and time consuming to do something like it? If it’s really no problem doing just that then why don’t they just go ahead and give it a go? It will shut people up right? If it comes out as a “No” and Bem still goes through with the idea of hosting the Games then that’s saying something else, that much I can say.

Another thought, is the Olympics a matter of concern for the entire country? If it is, then why is the Mayor of Prague spearheading it and not the head of the freaking country?

I’m pretty sure that the Olympics will bring benefits to the country hosting it. It does require a lot of financial investments but the rewards will surpass the cost. And it will be lasting. If they really take their time and create the proper awareness amongst their countrymen then perhaps these people can have a clear indication on what’s in store and what they can expect from it.

Politics. Pffft. It’s dragging down the real essense of the Olympic Games.

SOURCE

Post from: EveryJoe

Czech Republic and the Olympics