Vocabulary and Speech Exercises

Ex. 1. Memorize the following word combinations with the verb “ to be” to make the profile of one of the Belarusian champions of sport:

to be a Merited Master of Sport – быть Заслуженным мастером спорта

to be an Honoured Sports Activist –быть Заслуженным деятелем физической культуры

to be an Olympic (World, European) Champion –быть чемпионом Олимпийских Игр (мира, Европы)

to be a professor – быть профессором

to be a Ph.D (in) – иметь степень кандидата наук( в)

to be a successful businessman – быть удачливым бизнесменом

to be a member of – быть членом какой-либо организации

to be connected with – быть связанным с

to be awarded (crowned)- быть награжденным

Ex.2. What did A. Medved do these years? Complete the chart:

Years Achievements

1962

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1972

1991

Ex. 3. Read aloud the sentences containing information about the leading Belarusian athletes you didn’t know before.

Ex.4. With the help of the above word combinations describe your favourite Belarusian athlete.

Task 10. Learn the following medical terms you will need to understand Text 3 E:

1. relief n -облегчение (боли)

2. disabled a -искалеченный, нетрудоспособный

3. the disabled n -инвалиды

4. visually handicapped -инвалиды по зрению

5. locomotor deficiency -нарушения опорно-двигательного аппарата

6. hearing problems -нарушение слуха

7.mentally retarded -умственно отсталый

8.physically retarded -отстающий в физическом развитии

9.wheelchair bound -колясочник

Task 11. Read the text and answer the questions before each paragraph.

Text 3 e Still Ranking the Leaders

1. When did the disabled people begin to take part in sport and recreation?

The idea of rehabilitation through exercises and games began during the Second World War. Until then the disabled people took no part in the sporting activities even for recreational purposes. Sport provides physical and psychological relief to the disabled people.

2.What structures have been established to develop sport for the disabled?

The Belarusian state pays great attention ¹ to physical education and sports training of the disabled. At present progress in physical training and sports among the disabled and expansion of international sports relations are of most importance in our Republic. The Belarusian Paralympic Committee was founded on March 28, 1996, its first President being a six-time Olympic champion speed-skater Igor Zhelezovsky. There have been established the Republican Federations for physical training and sports for visually handicapped people, wheelchair bound people with locomotor deficiency and people with hearing problems, for mentally and physically retarded children. 15 sports clubs are on function in Belarus. Annually about 70 republican competitions of the disabled are held in 23 sports. At present the Paralympic Committee is headed by a three-time Paralympic Champion, a six-time World Champion and a five-time European Champion Oleg Shepel.

3. What facts prove that Belarusian disabled athletes are successful?

The combined team of the Republic of Belarus taking part for the first time in the IX Summer Paralympic Games in Barcelona gained the 9^th place. Three of Belarusian athletes were awarded champion titles. Belarusian team of disabled children competes on the equal in the international sports arena. Belarusian disabled athletes are among the leaders of the Disabled Sports Movement in the world.

Notes:

¹ pays great attention… - уделяет большое внимание…

Comprehensive and Speech Exercises

Ex. 1. Find a key sentence in each paragraph.

Ex. 2. Entitle each paragraph.

Ex. 3. Comment on the title of the text.

Ex. 4. Speak about sports for the disabled in Belarus following the outline:

• the beginning of sports for the disabled in Belarus;

• the sports structures for the disabled athletes in Belarus;

• the international achievements of the Belarusian disabled athletes.

Ex. 5. Describe any known Belarusian disabled champion. Make use of the word combinations from Text 3 D if necessary.

Lesson 3. Focus on Speaking