The UK is playing host to a number of major sporting events over the next decade. The Business of Sport debate explored positive and negative impacts that a major sporting event can bring to a city. 

We are entering what is widely recognised as the golden decade of sport and major sports events such as the World Cup and the Olympics are often seen as a potential source of economic regeneration.  However, their presence often invokes powerful opposition and the debate allowed us to explore the issues surrounding this, as well as showcasing the positive benefits sporting events can bring.

Chair –  BBC presenter and sports advocate Harry Gration.

Panel – the consisted of nationally significant figures:-
Dame Kelly Holmes, MBE DBE – Former Olympic Champion&Chair of Olympic Legacy Taskforce on behalf of David Cameron.
Louise Martin, CBE – Board Member of Glasgow 2014 and Chair of Sport Scotland.
Richard Caborn – former Minister for Sport and previous Prime Minister’s Ambassador for England’s 2018 bid.
Richard Lewis –Chairman of RFL&Chairman of Sport England.
Dan Jones - Head of Sports Group, Deloitte

Following the debate, Panellist Dame Kelly Holmes said: "The Business of Sport’s live debate was very enjoyable with some great questions asked by the audience. A large number of topics were covered relevant to sporting events and the impact that they have on the cities and regions that they take place in. As always, it was great to visit Leeds. The city is well placed to benefit from upcoming sporting events with Test cricket, the Serbian team being based here ahead of the London 2012 Olympics and Elland Road being selected as one of the World Cup stadiums should England be successful with their 2018 bid."

The Business of Sport took place as part of the Yorkshire Cricket Mela which was created to celebrate Headingley Carnegie playing host to the Pakistan v Australia test match between 21st – 25th July. Key partners for the Mela include Leeds City Council, Marketing Leeds, City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, Welcome to Yorkshire and Yorkshire County Cricket Club who were instrumental to the region securing the Test Match. For more information on the Yorkshire Cricket Mela, please visit www.theyorkshirecricketmela.com.


Images from The Business of Sport - 20th July 2010