Rudie van Vuuren competes in Cricket and Rugby World Cups

admin 2023年12月8日

Health & Lifestyle, Health & Lifestyle - Expert

Vocabulary:

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

accomplishment /uh-KOM-plish-muhnt /

[noun] – something that has been achieved successfully, a notable achievement
Winning the science competition was a significant accomplishment for the young student.

foundation /foun-DEY-shuhn /

[noun] – an organization established to support a cause or provide assistance, often related to charitable or humanitarian efforts
The foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged students.

privilege /PRIV-uh-lij/

[noun] – a special advantage, right, or benefit that is not available to everyone
Having access to quality education is a privilege that not all children have.

distinct /dih-STINGKT/

[adjective] – clearly separate and different (from something else)
Rudie excelled in two distinct fields: sports and conservation.

conservationist /kon-ser-VEY-shuh-nist/

[noun] – someone who works to protect and preserve the environment, wildlife, and natural resources
Many conservationists advocate for sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.

Article reading:

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

Rudie van Vuuren is a remarkable person who achieved something truly extraordinary in 2003: he participated in both the Cricket World Cup and the Rugby World Cup within the same year, a unique accomplishment that had never been done before. Despite making his mark as a cricket player against renowned stars like Sachin Tendulkar, his real passion lies in conserving nature and protecting animals in Namibia. Together with his wife Marlice, Rudie established the Naankuse Foundation in 2006, dedicated to safeguarding endangered animals and assisting the San people, Africa’s oldest tribe. They have even created a wildlife sanctuary at their home near Windhoek. Rudie understands the privilege of being close to nature and these animals, but he’s also acutely aware of the threats they face, such as poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. To combat these challenges, they work tirelessly to safeguard the environment and its creatures. In addition to excelling in two distinct fields, Rudie also serves as the president of Cricket Namibia, demonstrating his commitment to both sports and conservation.

Rudie’s story is that of a passionate athlete and doctor who transitioned into a wildlife conservationist, cherishing his memories as an athlete while tirelessly working to protect the beloved natural world. He strongly believes in providing opportunities to local athletes, akin to the opportunities he received, as a way to create a meaningful impact, particularly in places like Namibia. This article, written in 2019, celebrates Namibia’s qualification for the T20 World Cup and emphasizes the incredible journey of Rudie van Vuuren.

Discussion Questions:

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

Based on the article, can you share any personal accomplishments or achievements that you’re proud of?
Have you ever had the privilege of visiting a wildlife sanctuary or experiencing nature up close? How did it make you feel?
Do you agree with Rudie van Vuuren’s belief in providing opportunities to local athletes and young talents as a way to make a positive impact in the community?
What challenges do you think conservationists like Rudie face in their efforts to protect wildlife, and how can these challenges be addressed?
In what ways do sports and conservation intersect, and how can individuals like Rudie contribute to both fields simultaneously?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

extraordinary
establish
sanctuary
commitment
contribute