Modern international sports events are big business, but they’re even more fun to watch in person. Whether you’re screaming along with the crowd at the World Cup, feeling the whine of Formula 1 engines in your chest, or watching a hockey puck drop into the back of the net in sudden death overtime, there’s nothing like being there. To experience these bucket-list-worthy sports events, consider a tour package from Roadtrips.
The first official international game was a cricket match between the United States and Canada in 1844, and since then, sport has had a profound influence on the cultural identity of countries around the globe. Today, sport is more than just entertainment – it’s also a powerful tool for social development and can boost the image of a country or region.
There are many international multi-sport events, some of which are organized by the International Olympic Committee, while others are organized by continental sections, such as the Asian Games or the European Games. There are also events that cater to local audiences, such as the FIBA Basketball World Championship or the Davis Cup tennis tournament, which is the oldest international team competition in the sport of tennis.
Despite the benefits of international sport, there are still debates about whether governments should support it. Until recently, government intervention in sports was justified primarily for national security purposes, but more recent research suggests that promoting physical activity for health benefits is a better justification for public subsidies.
