The Trickle-Down Effect: what population groups benefit from hosting major sport events?

Abstract

he trickle-down effect of major sport events was mostly examined for the host population at large. This study analyses whether some population groups benefit from hosting a major sport event like the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games more than others. The trickledown framework is tested using a comprehensive sample of people in Australia from 2005 and 2006 (n=12,993). Regression results show that younger people, less educated people, and people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin are more likely to spend more time participating in sport as a result of Melbourne hosting the Commonwealth Games. Younger people with no formal education and people who are not in a relationship are more likely to take up a new activity. Older people, females, and the locals are more likely to gain a positive attitude. The results inform policy makers and sport event managers who plan for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.