Samuda backs Nice mayor’s stand on protecting football’s sacred ground
Key Points(5)
- President of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda has backed the Mayor of Nice's refusal to allow the Allianz Riviera to be converted into an ice rink for the 2028 Winter Olympics, arguing that the preservation of sporting heritage can legitimately take precedence over commercial use.
- Samuda said the decision should not be viewed solely through a political lens, suggesting instead that it reflected an appreciation of the stadium's place in French sporting culture.
- Heritage before commercial convenience While acknowledging the commercial value of major sporting events and venues, Samuda said there must be limits to how far commercialization should go when historic sporting sites are involved.
- Rather, he believes such decisions must take account of the cultural significance attached to particular venues.
- “I support the commercialisation of sport and sporting venues and giving the Winter Olympics its best spring; but even those have parameters,” he said.
President of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda has backed the Mayor of Nice's refusal to allow the Allianz Riviera to be converted into an ice rink for the 2028 Winter Olympics, arguing that the preservation of sporting heritage can legitimately take precedence over commercial use.
Samuda said the decision should not be viewed solely through a political lens, suggesting instead that it reflected an appreciation of the stadium's place in French sporting culture.
“Some may say it is political mileage at the polls, but I believe that the Mayor's refusal is born out of an acknowledgment of the sanctity of a landmark which commands the emotions, respect and homage of the French people who are in love with the sport of football and have an enduring friendship with rugby,” Samuda said.
Heritage before commercial convenience
While acknowledging the commercial value of major sporting events and venues, Samuda said there must be limits to how far commercialization should go when historic sporting sites are involved.
“The business of the Winter Olympics is one thing, but another matter is the preservation of history and reverence of an edifice of it, which arguably should take precedence.”
For Samuda, the issue is therefore not opposition to the use of sporting infrastructure for purposes beyond its traditional function. Rather, he believes such decisions must take account of the cultural significance attached to particular venues.
“I support the commercialisation of sport and sporting venues and giving the Winter Olympics its best spring; but even those have parameters,” he said.
“The mayor clearly felt it would be sacrilege, and generally, we need to honour positions taken that are in touch with the cultural heritage of sports and the heartbeat of fans.”
Olympics can thrive without Allianz Riviera
Samuda nevertheless expects the 2028 Winter Olympics to succeed despite the exclusion of the Allianz Riviera from the plans.
“The 2028 Winter Olympics will yet again be a success as the IOC has trademarked the formula and organisational know-how in partnership with host cities. But this time, it will be without the Allianz Riviera.”
His broader argument extends beyond Nice and the Winter Games, drawing a parallel with Jamaica's own sporting heritage.
A lesson for Sabina Park
Samuda pointed to Sabina Park as an example of a venue whose value extends beyond its physical infrastructure.
He acknowledged that the Kingston cricket ground has hosted activities beyond cricket in the name of sporting commerce and camaraderie, but argued that such versatility should not diminish its historical identity.
“In the name of the business of sport and sport camaraderie, Sabina Park has entertained others than cricket, but it must remain the bastion of, and hallowed ground for, a sport that has an umbilical cord to cultural, heritage and which has given the world glorious memories of artistry and excellence in the sport and still can be and must be made to be the birthplace of present and future greatness.”
For Samuda, the debate ultimately goes beyond whether a sporting venue can accommodate another event. It is about determining when commercial opportunity should yield to the cultural memory, identity and emotional attachment that make certain sporting grounds more than simply places in which competition takes place.
