| e_content"> | | | | and seen on many different cable sports stations and |
| Every two to four years the Olympic Games spring | | | | this is a great way for sponsors to get their names |
| up on us yet again. Each year there are new | | | | out there. |
| controversies and topics of debate. One recurring | | | | This marketing, however, goes both ways. The |
| topic, however, is that of whether or not professional | | | | Olympics do not bring the ratings that they used to. |
| athletes should be allowed to compete in the games. | | | | The introduction of professional athletes into the |
| This discussion is especially rampant among events | | | | Olympics helps their ratings rise. Popular athletes also |
| that involve the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, and soccer. | | | | help the world audience appreciate some of the |
| The main argument is that the Olympics are a | | | | lesser-known sports that are showcased at these |
| worldwide event meant to bring countries together for | | | | events. When Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, or any |
| healthy competition. This has a way of promoting | | | | other professional athlete from the NBA, NHL, or MLB, |
| world peace and harmony. The ideals that the | | | | suit up for the Olympic team they can't help but bring a |
| Olympics were based on are still held in high regard, | | | | large following of viewers with them. |
| but have declined somewhat. Originally, sports purists | | | | All marketing purposes aside, professional athletes set |
| will say, the Olympics were an arena for amateur | | | | the bar for competition at the Olympic Games. How |
| athletes to prove themselves and bring glory to their | | | | can you have some events with professionals like |
| country. This has evolved into a highly competitive | | | | Michael Phelps dominating the waters, and have other |
| venue for the world's highest paid, premier athletes. | | | | events that only take amateur players? It sets an odd |
| The Olympics have become a sort of marketing tool | | | | standard for Olympic Qualifiers. It makes sense for |
| for up and coming sports and the companies that are | | | | each country to send the best of the best, and watch |
| related to them. Take, for instance, the clothing the U.S. | | | | sports competition at it's highest level. To be labeled "to |
| Olympians wore for the opening ceremonies in | | | | good for the Olympics" puts the wrong kind of picture |
| Vancouver. Their clothes had a polo symbol that was | | | | in people's heads. The Olympics should be the peak of |
| as large or larger than the U.S.A. badge on the other | | | | sports competition, all competitors meeting on equal |
| side. The Olympics are broadcast all over the world | | | | grounds to battle out for the Gold. |
