What price sporting prestige?

A recent article inspired by the current World Cup on the merits of hosting sporting events....Note the Singapore Context at the end.....

Qns:

1)     Does sport merit the vast sums of money that are spent on it? (2010)

2)     Hosting major sporting events creates more problems than benefits. Do you agree? (2005)

3)     Is sport too closely linked to money these days? (2001)