[Metrobeans]

M108 - Motion on the modern Olympic Games, TSR UKIP

This House believes that the modern Olympic Games constitute a politicised parade of business corporations, marketing strategies, advertising and debased athletes with the exclusive purpose of economical gain, which is immensely opposite to their original relationship-improving function in the ancient and early modern times. This House condemns the devaluation of this athletic event to a mere exhibition of private corporations.

Notes

[tehFrance]

You have to take the fun out of it don't you.

[CLS94]

Suprised at this coming from UKIP, but Aye all the way - they are a mess and a pointless drain on public resources. For anyone who happens to be interested, there is a protest planned this Saturday against their corporate nature and the draconian measures that have been enacted to help "VIPs" and Olympic Sponsors: https://www.facebook.com/events/291553350941427/

[toronto353]

(Original post by CLS94)
Suprised at this coming from UKIP, but Aye all the way - they are a mess and a pointless drain on public resources. For anyone who happens to be interested, there is a protest planned this Saturday against their corporate nature and the draconian measures that have been enacted to help "VIPs" and Olympic Sponsors: https://www.facebook.com/events/291553350941427/

UKIP house a vast array of views so occasionally we surprise people.

[Smack]

Agree fully. It's terrible that we're going to have people actually policing the brands that can be displayed and associated with the olympics - surely it's something that the entire country should benefit from and not just some of the largest corporations who can afford exclusive rights.

[Hopple]

I don't think anyone can disagree with this.

[JPKC]

Aye!

[xXedixXx]

I'm also surprised to see this from UKIP.

Aye.

[SciFiRory]

UKIP?

but Aye nonetheless

[Life_peer]

You have made me smile.

[Stiff Little Fingers]

I didn't see this coming from UKIP, but aye of course - it's a prestigious, historical sporting event, not a collection of billboards ffs.

[toronto353]

(Original post by xXedixXx)
I'm also surprised to see this from UKIP.

Aye.

(Original post by SciFiRory)
UKIP?

but Aye nonetheless

(Original post by Alofleicester)
I didn't see this coming from UKIP, but aye of course - it's a prestigious, historical sporting event, not a collection of billboards ffs.

What can I say? We're traditionalists.

[thunder_chunky]

It's certainly questionable that the three main sponspors are Coca Cola Cadbury's and Mcdonalds. Ironic really seeing as it's for a sporting event.
So this is potentially an aye from me. As much as it pains me.

[LETSJaM]

Abstain.

<3 x

[Mechie]

Agreed.

[tehFrance]

(Original post by thunder_chunky)
It's certainly questionable that the three main sponspors are Coca Cola Cadbury's and Mcdonalds.

Why Cadbury's? I would of thought that Cadbury's being British would of given it a pass, I completely agree with Coca Cola and McDonalds though, they should not be there... PepsiCo if they were to sponsor would be fine due to the fact they have a sizeable healthy business side unlike Coca Cola.

[Melancholy]

Nay - I think this is an exaggeration. Realistically, the vast majority of air time will be devoted to showing the actual sport or event. It's against these companies' interests to frustrate you with constant adverts. Heck, I doubt you'll notice them most of the time, like in football stadiums and on players' shirts. The fact is, private sector investment means that the public purse doesn't have to stretch so far. Sports events, cultural events, entertainment industries and so forth are not exactly priorities for government expenditure in the same way that health, education and policing are. I'd rather call upon the help of private enterprise to ensure the best athletic show on earth than continue to whittle away other sources of capital.

That said, I'm not completely against restrictions on marketing when it comes to companies that produce negative externalities (arguably unhealthy food industries which put strains on our NHS), especially when combined with a sports event. But the original motion isn't attacking this. It's inaccurately suggesting the devaluation of the olympics at the hands of the private sector, which I think is false. These companies make the Games better at little extra cost to us. Cadbury has a history of philanthropy, too. MacDonalds, less so. And what the heck is wrong with the Coca-Cola Company? Not all their products are unhealthy, and they are hydrating. And why should we care if it's American?

[Birchington]

No. The Olympics are going to be fantastic, just wait and see.

I have been volunteering at the Stadium for nearly a month, and the amount of work that has gone in from everyone should not be moaned at.

I also saw a full rehearsal for the opening ceremony tonight - you're in for a treat! Lighten up and enjoy this once in a lifetime event. Yes, the corporate sponsors may have a large presence, but they have invested in youth sports facilities etc. They don't just take.

[Lipvig]

(Original post by Birchington)
No. The Olympics are going to be fantastic, just wait and see.

I have been volunteering at the Stadium for nearly a month, and the amount of work that has gone in from everyone should not be moaned at.

I also saw a full rehearsal for the opening ceremony tonight - you're in for a treat! Lighten up and enjoy this once in a lifetime event. Yes, the corporate sponsors may have a large presence, but they have invested in youth sports facilities etc. They don't just take.

I thought the ceremony was tomorrow?

(Any chance you know who's lighting the cauldron btw?)

[barnetlad]

I wish it had been more focused on the sponsors and corporate tickets, and the ridiculous restrictions on the use of the word Olympics and things such as not being able to buy Pepsi or pay with Mastercard. I assume Amy McDonald is not at the opening or closing ceremony concerts because of her name.

You can get reasonable food in the Olympic Park (as I did on Monday), even with the horrid McDonalds 'restaurant' near the stadium.