Silent sports capture attention at the Paris Paralympics

admin 2024年9月7日

©(AP Photo/Felix Scheyer)

Vocabulary:

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

impairment /im-PAIR-muhnt/

[noun] – a condition in which a part of a person’s body or mind is damaged or does not work properly
Hearing impairments can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively.

commentator /KOM-uhn-tey-ter/

[noun] – a reporter for radio or television who provides a spoken description of and remarks on an event, especially a sports competition, as it happens
The commentator provided insightful analysis throughout the entire football match.

permissible /per-MIS-uh-buhl/

[adjective] – allowed
It is permissible to use electronic devices during the exam under certain conditions.

anticipate /an-TIS-uh-peyt/

[verb] – to think that something will happen in the future and prepare for it
We need to anticipate any potential problems and prepare solutions.

accustomed /uh-KUHS-tuhmd/

[adjective] – familiar with something
Over time, she became accustomed to the new work environment.

Article reading:

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

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games have showcased blind football and goalball, two sports designed for athletes with visual impairments. These events are held at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, where the usual noise and excitement of soccer are replaced by a unique silence to help athletes focus. In blind football and goalball, players rely on sound cues, such as a rattling ball, to navigate the field. This approach requires fans to maintain quiet during active play, creating an atmosphere of concentration and respect.

Spectators at these silent sports events are instructed to stay silent while the ball is in play. To guide them, a commentator informs the crowd when it is permissible to cheer, and large signs reading “GET LOUD!!!!” are displayed during breaks. Despite initial uncertainty among some fans, they gradually adapt to the silence, which makes their cheers more impactful when they are allowed. This careful management of noise not only enhances the players’ performance but also fosters a unique and respectful environment that contrasts sharply with the usual noisy sports events. As blind football and goalball gain popularity, it is anticipated that both fans and athletes will become more accustomed to these specific conditions, leading to an even more refined and supportive atmosphere in future events. The adaptation process highlights the importance of respect and concentration in these visually impaired sports, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Discussion Questions:

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

Have you ever attended a sports event where the atmosphere was very different from what you expected? If so, what was the atmosphere like, and how did it affect your experience? If not, would you like to attend a silent sports event like blind football or goalball? Why or why not?
Can you think of a time when you had to stay focused in a difficult situation?
Do you think that the quiet atmosphere in blind football and goalball makes the experience better for both players and the audience?
What strategies do you think athletes use to stay focused during high-pressure moments in sports?
How might the growing popularity of blind football and goalball influence other sports for athletes with disabilities? What positive changes could result?

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.

quiet
supportive
enhance
Paralympic
rewarding