Olympics Highlight Event Insurance Importance

Over 100 prominent doctors and professors sent an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday, May 27th, urging for the postponement or cancellation of the 2016 Summer Olympics due to the widespread occurrence of the Zika virus.

Officials stated that the Zika virus has “more serious medical consequences than previously known” and has worsened in the Rio area despite widespread mosquito treatment programs.
“It is unethical to run the risk,” the letter said. “It is therefore imperative that WHO conduct a fresh, evidence-based assessment of Zika and the Games, and its recommendations for travelers.”

Brazil is one of almost 60 countries that have reported continuing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes and with over 500,000 people set to travel from around the world for the Olympic games, there is a considerable threat.

Despite these warnings, it seems organizers of the 2016 Olympic Games are moving forward. The 2016 Olympics are in less than two months, running from August 5 to August 21 and although it seems the games will go on, the recent push for cancellation or postponement highlights the importance of event insurance.

Without sufficient liability protection, the cancellation or postponement of large events such as the Summer Olympics could lead an event organizer, company or individual into bankruptcy! The last Summer Olympics in 2012 cost over 14 BILLION dollars! If the event did not go as planned, the economic outcome would be devastating.

Event insurance is essential whether you’re organizing the Olympics, or organizing public events large and small. Want to learn more about Event Insurance? Find out about your options here.