The Legacy Gap: Why Marginal Communities Often Lose Out

How can major sporting events genuinely serve the communities that need them most? In this powerful episode, Dr Mike Duignan is joined by Dr Shushu Chen to explore a question too often ignored: what do global mega-events mean for socioeconomically deprived communities—and what should they mean? Drawing on years of research and real-world insights from events like London 2012 and Birmingham 2022, Shushu challenges the assumption that “legacy” automatically means inclusive benefit. Instead, she calls for a rethinking of who we plan for, who we listen to, and who gets left in the shadows. From regeneration trade-offs to the promise of strategic alliances and post-event enhancement funds, this conversation lays bare the complexities, contradictions, and possibilities of using events as tools for social inclusion. Honest, urgent, and hopeful—this is essential listening for anyone shaping the future of events.

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