Gwangju Universiade sets model as efficient mega sports event
By Baek Byung-yeul
There was a time when municipal governments expected economic benefits from hosting large-scale sports events such as the Olympics or World Cup.
However, as more voters and governments realized that hosting mega sports events can result in fewer benefits than the costs they shoulder, minimizing ballooning costs has become the priority.
The Gwangju Universiade seems to have succeeded in cutting costs so as not to burden municipal finances.
To reduce construction costs, the Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) chose to use nearby sports facilities.
Among a total of 69 facilities, including event places and training centers, only three facilities ― Nambu University International Aquatics Center, Gwangju International Archery Center and Kwangju Women’s University Gym ― were newly built. The GUOC said those places will be open to residents after the Universiade.
The GUOC said the decision to utilize remaining sports facilities, especially at nearby universities, was made after considering the positive effects of attracting more residents.
In line with the GUOC’s eco-friendly strategy, the Universiade also has gained attention for transforming 30-year-old apartments into accommodation for athletes from 170 countries.
The athletes’ village, in Hwajeong-dong, Gwangju, consists of 2,185 apartment rooms. It will be sold off as either rentals or condominiums after the Universiade.
The move to reuse facilities in a bid to reduce expenses is also seen at the award ceremonies.
The GUOC was offered event materials for awards ceremony, including 120 victory stands from the organizing committee of the 2014 Incheon Asian Game free of charge. With help from Incheon, the GUOC cut down its budget by up to 120 million won ($105,480).
The GUOC also will hand over the equipment to the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Games, which will take place at Korea’s southeastern city of Mungyeong in October.
With its efforts, the GUOC said it saved 134.5 billion in construction fees and 65.4 billion won in operating costs. The total Universiade budget was set at 690 billion won.