Texas Border Business
As we look forward to the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, we wanted to take a moment to highlight an often overlooked yet critical contributor to the success of this global event: the oil and natural gas industry.
Here are five ways in which this industry plays an essential role in making the Olympics possible:
- Infrastructure: The construction of Olympic venues, including stadiums, aquatic centers, and velodromes, relies heavily on materials such as steel, concrete, and asphalt, all of which are derived from oil and natural gas by-products.
- Transportation: Efficient transportation is crucial for the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators. The oil and natural gas industry provides the fuel necessary for airplanes, buses, and cars.
- Equipment: Many sports equipment and gear are made from petrochemical products. For example, the lightweight and durable materials used in bicycles for track cycling events, the synthetic turf for field hockey, and even the swimsuits worn by swimmers are all derived from oil and natural gas. These materials enhance performance and ensure the safety of athletes.
- Lighting and Heating: The oil and natural gas industry provides the energy needed to light up stadiums for night events and to maintain optimal temperatures in indoor arenas. Events like gymnastics and swimming rely on a consistent and reliable power supply to ensure athletes can perform under the best conditions and spectators can enjoy the events comfortably.
- Broadcasting: The global broadcast of the Olympic Games is made possible through satellite technology and the energy required to power broadcasting equipment. This technology ensures that millions of viewers around the world can watch their favorite sports, such as gymnastics, athletics, and swimming, in real-time, bringing the excitement of the Olympics into their homes.
The oil and natural gas industry’s contributions extend far beyond these points, but these examples illustrate its indispensable role in bringing the Olympic Games to life.
Without industry’s support in these areas, the seamless execution and global reach of the Olympics would be significantly hindered. To learn more about the importance of oil and natural gas, click here.
Source: Texas Oil & Gas Association
