NO: "The risk lies more in a strategy that does not capitalise on sport events."

"Not necessarily. The risk lies rather in a lack of a long term sport development and funding strategy (and commitment to it), or a strategy that does not capitalise on the potential benefits offered by major events. Major events in themselves can contribute to the sustainability of grassroots sport development by mobilising funds to improve the infrastructure for a range of sporting activities. In a sport like rowing, it is critical to ensure that the long term daily use of the venue - by a range of activities, not just rowing - is integral to all infrastructure improvement planning.”

YES: "That's why we focus on linking events and programmes."

For the International Judo Federation, it is important to link the World Judo Tour events with grassroots programs. Every single event, which is organised on the five continents (World Championships, World Masters, Grand Slams, Grand Prix), allows us to give a focus on educational activities and actually to link the sports and grassroots level activities. We involve our champions, we raise the level of media interest and we are able to improve the economies of scale. The impact is really positive. After the event, the national federations can continue to develop grassroots level programs and we assist them to develop their programmes in that direction.