Irishman Brendan Lawlor makes history as the first golfer with disability to join European Tour

admin 2020年10月19日

© Ross Kinnaird via CNN International

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

hinder /HIN-der /

[verb] – to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something
The bulky clothes hindered their movements.

pursue /per-SOO/

[verb] – If you pursue a plan, activity, or situation, you try to do it or achieve it, usually over a long period of time
His older brother wants to pursue a career in dentistry.

spark /spahrk/

[verb] – to cause the start of something
The kind gesture sparked hope inside her.

peer /peer/

[noun] – a person who is the same age or has the same social position or the same abilities as other people in a group
Unlike his peers, he wasn’t interested in gaming.

trailblazer /TREYL-bley-zer/

[noun] – the first person to do something or go somewhere, who shows that it is also possible for other people
Our boss is a truly admirable trailblazer in this industry.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

On August 27, 22-year-old Irishman Brendan Lawlor became the first disabled golfer to compete in the European Tour. Lawlor participated in the ISPS Handa UK Championship in England’s golf resort and hotel, The Belfry, where he shot 84 in the first round. Lawlor has a rare genetic condition called “Ellis van Creveld syndrome”. This disorder is characterized by dwarfism on the limbs, abnormal fingers and/or toes, and oftentimes with inborn heart diseases. The condition did not hinder his passion in pursuing a professional career in golf, instead, it motivated him to be an inspiration to others.

Lawlor has been interested in golf because of his grandfather who sparked his interest in the sport since he was four years old. Although his height was shorter than the others, he never thought he was any different with his peers. After competing against winners, the trailblazer hopes that this could open doors for more disabled golfers to compete with the world’s best players. “I just want to get that ball rolling (not only) for myself but for other people coming forward to trying to make that trail line to give other people chances and hopefully get the game to a high level where maybe people can earn a living out of it. That’ll be a true goal for me.”, Lawlor said.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

A 22-year old man from Ireland made history as the first disabled golfer to compete in the European Tour.
Lawlor’s rare disease caused his limbs to become shorter than normal.
Brendan Lawlor’s condition inspired him to motivate others.
His father piqued his interest in golf when he was a child.
He also competed with normal golf players in the tournament.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

How important is the support group around people with disabilities like Brendan Lawlor?
What is the important message in Brendan Lawlor’s victory?
How are handicapped people treated in your country?
What problems do disabled people in poorer countries face?
Do you think science will be able to end disability one day?

Express Your Opinion:

I will read each sentence. Then, please tell me if you agree or disagree, and why.

“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.”
― Martina Navratilova
“I choose not to place ‘DIS’, in my ability.”
― Robert M. Hensel
“Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength.”
― Unknown