Coined, “The Celebration of the Century”, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics marked the 100th year anniversary of the inaugural 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The Olympics accelerated the urban redevelopment of some parts of Atlanta, leading to the creation of new housing units, urban greening, and vibrant public and private art displays. With this transformation came challenges, such as relocation of legacy residents due to rising cost of living, demolition of public housing, and a bombing attack.
Delegates in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Committee must work through the complex dynamics of various stakeholders, such as Atlanta residents, corporate sponsors, International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, and Olympic athletes, to create an event that celebrates the international unity of the Games, while also acknowledging the damage being done to some people. While participating in this committee, delegates will be engaging in all kinds of debate, ranging from balancing promoting economic growth and protecting vulnerable communities, national security concerns, and the long-term effects of the Olympics on Atlanta, the United States, and the World.