The Olympics are more than fun and games. They're a billion-dollar business with political overtones

The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games.They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. They're also a proxy for geopolitical influence seen through the standings in the medal tables, the presence of world leaders at the opening ceremony and the national anthems serenading gold-medal winners.

If volunteers were paid a minimum wage of $10 per hour, the extra cost could be as much as $100 million. Some Paris volunteers have threatened not to show up to express their displeasure over Olympic spending and French pension reforms.The IOC says the Olympics transcend politics. But in reality, they are highly political. It's noteworthy that the IOC has observer status at the United Nations, indicative of its self-perceived role in the world.

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The Olympics are more than fun and games. They're a billion-dollar business with political overtonesThe Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games.
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »