Resident`s Perception on Social Impacts of Mega Sport Event: The Case of 28th Winter Universiade

Abstract

Almost all mega sports events have some benefits to the host community. These include but not limited to social, economic and tourism impacts. The current study focused on five common social impact factors of mega sports events. The purpose of this study was to examine the residents perception on the impact of mega sports events, the effects of hosting and the probability of hosting such events in the near future.

Qualitative research was selected as the appropriate method and semi-structured in-depth interview was used to collect data. A total of ten Almaty residents were selected for interview and the data collected was analyzed by Miles and Herbermans serval step method. The data was transcribed and translated from the Kazakh language to English and then grouped into sub themes and themes.

The findings of the study indicate that residents consider hosting major sports events as one of the tools to enhance image of the country, promote sport and attract tourists. Generally, the residents had a positive perception towards hosting of 28th Winter Universiade. There were more positive impacts than negative as perceived by the residents.

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Keywords: Mega sports events, Social impact, Winter Universiade,

Perception and Residents.