International sporting events can have a profound impact on the psyche of a small country that aspires to "punch above its weight". When a nation with a relatively small population and at times limited resources excels on the global stage, it becomes a source of immense pride and unity. These events foster a sense of national identity, where victories—or even competitive performances—are celebrated as triumphs for the entire country, reinforcing the belief that size doesn’t limit potential.
Investing in sports can bring substantial benefits for a government, stakeholders and corporate sector, but it also carries risks. Here's a breakdown of both sides and why, despite the risks, the investment is still important.
Risks of Increased Sports Investment: Opportunity Costs: Money spent on sports infrastructure or programmes can sometimes or most times be seen by sides as an investment that could be used for other critical areas such as education, healthcare, or public services. If these sectors are underfunded, public backlash could occur, particularly if the investment does not lead to sporting success. When the 2006 Soca Warriors qualified for the World Cup in Germany, there was mass euphoria and the "feel good" effect continues to this day.
However, when one counts how many other World Cup campaigns the country has gone through without success, it leaves many questioning the benefits or perhaps misunderstanding the reason behind the overall effort.
Uncertain Returns: Success in sports is not guaranteed, and a significant investment might not yield immediate or measurable results. Poor performance in international events could diminish public support and make the investment appear wasteful.
Mismanagement or Corruption: Large-scale investments, especially in infrastructure, can be vulnerable to mismanagement or corruption. Without proper oversight, the intended benefits may not materialize, leading to inefficiency and loss of public trust.
Why It’s Important to Take the Risk:
Long-Term Payoff: Although the returns on sports investments may not be immediate, they can have a lasting impact such as the 2006 campaign even though one can argue that we didn't build on that success as much as we should have over the past 18 years. Success in sports can inspire generations, change perceptions of a country, and drive long-term economic and social growth. Taking the risk is essential for reaping these potential rewards over time. The success of persons such as Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon, Keshorn Walcott, Kieron Pollard or Dwayne Bravo will continue to inspire young athletes. Many of today's athletes and those in 2030 or 2040 will be able to trace their inspiration back to these successful ones.
The visibility at World Cups or Olympics surely puts the country on the map, but it also creates a positive association with resilience and talent. The "soft power" can open doors in diplomacy, trade and international relations where sporting success is seen as a symbol of national capability.
Boosting National Confidence: Countries that aim to "punch above their weight" benefit from the confidence that comes with achieving the improbable. Successful athletes or well-organised international events can demonstrate that the nation can excel globally, despite limited resources, thus building a resilient and ambitious national spirit.
Our list of athletes and teams can go on beyond this page. From Ian Bishop to Sunil Narine, Walcott, Stacy Ann King, Anisa Mohammed, Crawford, Gene Samuel, Leslie "Tiger" Stewart, Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Russell Latapy, Angus Eve, Kevin Molino and a host of other 'ballers', they have all defied the odds.
Creating a Legacy: The infrastructure and systems created through sports investment often outlive the events themselves. Stadiums, sports complexes, and training programmes continue to benefit future athletes and the wider population, helping to build a sporting culture that brings long-term societal advantages.
Benefits of Government Investment in Sports:
National Pride and Unity: Success in international sports events unites a nation and creates a sense of shared identity and pride. This can boost morale and lead to increased social cohesion, which benefits political stability. One does not need to stress how everything could come together in 2025/2026 with a Football World Cup looming and the support from the top that would be the icing on the cake.
Economic Growth: Investment in sports can stimulate the economy through tourism, infrastructure development, and job creation. The CPL is the centerstage at the moment. Hosting international events attracts visitors, boosts spending, and creates temporary and permanent jobs in areas like hospitality, transportation, and construction.
Health and Social Benefits: Investing in sports helps promote an active and healthy population. By encouraging participation in physical activity, the government can reduce healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles, while also fostering discipline and social integration, especially among youth.
Global Recognition: Successful athletes and sports events can boost a country's profile on the world stage. This can have a knock-on effect on attracting foreign investment, improving diplomatic relations, and showcasing the country’s capabilities.
In conclusion, while there are risks involved, the benefits of investing in sports—from national pride and economic growth to health and international recognition—can far outweigh the downsides. Taking the risk is essential for a small country that wants to expand its global influence and achieve success beyond its size.
The exposure of a country to international recognition can fuel a shared confidence, inspire younger generations, and elevate aspirations beyond the playing field. In small countries, such success brings validation and boosts morale, reminding people that their nation can compete and excel with larger, more resource-rich competitors. It can also encourage greater investment in sports, inspire grassroots programmes, and create a ripple effect of optimism that extends into other areas of national development.
Moreover, these moments can transcend sport, enhancing the nation's global image and bringing together citizens from diverse backgrounds under a common goal. The unity and pride generated by such events can be a rallying point, fostering a stronger sense of community and shared purpose. Ultimately, sporting success on an international stage serves as a reminder that big dreams, resilience, and ambition can overcome the limitations of size.
Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Media. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has travelled to 88 countries during his journey in sport. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation. shaunfuentes@yahoo.com