ABSTRACT
Evidence to support or refute the possibility that mega sport events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games can lead to increases in sport participation in host communities is mixed. Supporting evidence suggests, properly leveraged, events can get those already participating to participate more, get those that have participated in the past to participate again, and reduce drop-out be re-invigorating participation. Refuting evidence shows events do not have an inherent effect, and cannot increase participation among those that do not participate in sport and never have done. However, because recent event hosts have not systematically implemented evidence informed policies to increase sport participation, the conclusion of this chapter is that sport participation legacies from mega sport events can be considered neither fact nor fairy tale.
