Secondary Students Explore the Impact of the Olympics

While the Winter Olympics have concluded, the conversations they inspire continue in schools. In March, a secondary school library display invited students to explore what it means to host the Olympic Games and determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

The collection of posters presented multiple perspectives, including sustainability, ethics, national pride, economics and human rights. A curated selection of books encouraged classes to read and discuss topics such as “green Olympics,” political neutrality in international sport and the role of athletic success in shaping national identity. Students then shared their views by voting on the central question: Are the Olympic Games worth the cost?

The activity supported the development of critical and reflective thinking while strengthening students’ social awareness. By engaging with diverse viewpoints, participants examined the broader impacts of global events, considered their role in society and the environment and explored how individuals and communities are connected.