International sports are events where participants represent more than one country. The best-known example is the Olympic Games, but there are many others too. These events have a significant impact on the political, economic and cultural development of the host countries.

For example, hosting an Olympic Games can boost a country’s profile on the world stage and encourage tourism. This can help develop the economy and build up the city’s infrastructure, and it can also improve a nation’s reputation as an open and successful society. Countries that have hosted Olympics and football World Cups, for example, may experience a period of high growth and increased prosperity.

In other cases, the legacy from the event can be more intangible. For example, in the case of an Olympics, a city might invest in improved transport infrastructure or new parks. This can benefit future generations of athletes and the local population, and may be viewed as an important part of the Olympic legacy.

The organisers of a major sporting event can spend millions of dollars in the process of applying to be selected as a venue and then preparing the facilities for the event. They also have to make arrangements for the opening and closing ceremonies, and they must upgrade and enhance sports facilities like cycling tracks or ski-jumping arenas. They are often required to pay for the costs of construction from private sources or through taxation. In addition, they must ensure that they have a sufficient number of venues to accommodate the anticipated audience.