Along with the development of the globe and globalization, an increasing number of events are held in various areas of the world to help connect countries, and there are different views about it. Some people believe that holding international sporting events benefits a country, while others believe that it has negative results.

On the one hand, there are a number of reasons why many people think that hosting an international sporting event is detrimental. Firstly, there will be large gatherings of people, which makes governments have difficulty in controlling the crowd. Things against the law may happen because few people will notice, such as thieves stealing fans’ belongings. Furthermore, fights might occur among too crazy supporters. Secondly, arranging a major sporting festival may cost a large amount of money, which can put a country under great pressure.

On the other hand, the host country might gain certain benefits. Above all, it will promote tourism. The large number of sports fans will allow the country to benefit from the costs of hotels and other expenses resulting from the supporters during their visit to the host country. The host country will also have the chance to improve the country’s image across the globe, which not only helps it attract a big number of foreign tourists, but also helps it improve its international status (地位). Moreover, that a country hosts international events will attract a great number of local audiences, whether or not they are sports fans, which will influence many people’s thinking, increasing their national pride and love for their homeland.

In conclusion, I believe that organizing international sports events will bring more benefits than harm to a country.

You may have come across several “strange” cultural practices; some would grip you with fear, while others would leave you astonished. The wife-carrying competition in Finland falls into the latter category.

Strange as it might sound, wife-carrying is a real sport in Finland. In fact, it is a highly competitive sport in which male competitors race while each carrying a female teammate. The objective is for the male to carry the female through a special obstacle track in the fastest time. The length of the official track is 253.5 metres with two dry obstacles (障碍) and a water obstacle about one metre deep.

The first modern-day wife-carrying event was held in Finland in 1992 and foreign competitors gained admission in 1995. This event is now held annually in Sonkajärvi, Finland as the World Championship.

Although many might consider the sport a joke, competitors take it very seriously. Like every serious sport, the wife-carrying competition also has its guidelines which are set by the International Wife-Carrying Competition Rules Committee. While the International rules are the basis for all competitions, rules and prizes do vary for each competition.

It is not mandatory that you must be legally married to the “wife” to be carried, she may even be your neighbour’s wife or even someone you met during the competition; she must, however, be over 17 years of age. And her minimum weight must be 49 kilograms; otherwise, she will be burdened with a rucksack containing additional weight to bring the total load to be carried up to 49 kg. All participants must enjoy themselves. Yes, that is also one of the rules.

Special prizes go to the most entertaining couple, the best costume, and the strongest carrier. And for the grand prize, the wife’s weight in beer goes to the couple who completes the course in the shortest time. Whether you win or lose, the good thing is the sport encourages team spirit among couples.