I have been researching the Olympics a lit for the cover story in this month’s CBJ. More specifically, I have researching the costs and subsequent debts associated with hosting such events. Not surprisingly, a lot of cities overspend and go into billions worth of debt. I’m not breaking news. This isn’t a hidden fact. Yet we find fierce competition between cities aching to bring the Games home.

Why? Easy: attention, glory and patriotism.

The Olympics are a blast to watch and I’ll admit to the swell of pride I feel when Canada wins gold in something. But at the end of the day, it’s a series of sports events.

As a recently wed woman, I can draw a parallel between the Olympics and a wedding. Like a bride before her wedding, host cities await the attention and legacy of their special day(s), enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime party, and ignore the imminent bill until the after the honeymoon.

Is a wedding important? Sure. It’s a fabulous celebration. But is it worth going into huge debt over? No. I would say the same about the Olympics. I believe the Games are a great time to unite the world in peace, but I wouldn’t say the billions in debt are worth it.

What do you think?