Rudie van Vuuren competes in Cricket and Rugby World Cups

admin 2023年12月8日

Intermediate

Health & Lifestyle, Health & Lifestyle - Intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

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

What is your favorite sport, and why do you enjoy it?
Can you name some famous athletes or sports personalities you admire? Why do you look up to them?

Vocabulary:

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

endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/

[adjective] – in danger of becoming extinct or disappearing from the Earth. Refers to species or animals at risk of no longer existing
The panda is an endangered species, and conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitat.

tribe /trahyb/

[noun] – a social group or community of people who share a common culture, language, or ancestry
The indigenous tribe living in the rainforest has its own unique traditions and way of life.

conservation /kuhn-ser-VEY-shuhn/

[noun] – the act of protecting and preserving the natural environment, including wildlife, plants, and their habitats, to ensure their survival
The national park is dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems.

passionate /PASH-uh-nit/

[adjective] – having strong and intense emotions or enthusiasm for something. Showing great dedication or love for a particular interest or cause
Maria is a passionate dancer, and she practices for hours every day to improve her skills.

treasure /TREZH-er /

[verb] – to value and cherish something deeply, as if it’s a valuable possession
She treasured the handmade bracelet her grandmother gave her.

Article reading:

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

In 2003, Rudie van Vuuren did something amazing. He took part in both the Cricket World Cup and the Rugby World Cup in the same year. This had never been done before. He wasn’t just a cricket player; he also cared deeply about preserving nature and helping animals in Namibia. With his wife Marlice, Rudie started the Naankuse Foundation in 2006. This foundation’s goal is to protect endangered animals and support the San people, Africa’s oldest tribe. They even made a wildlife sanctuary at their home near Windhoek. Rudie knows how lucky he is to be close to nature and these animals, but he also knows the dangers they face, like poaching and conflicts with humans. So, they work really hard to keep the environment and its creatures safe. Rudie is not just great in sports and conservation; he’s also the president of Cricket Namibia, showing his dedication to both fields.

Rudie’s a passionate athlete turned wildlife conservationist who treasures his sports memories and works hard to protect nature. He’s dedicated to giving local athletes opportunities and celebrating Namibia’s T20 World Cup qualification. Rudie’s inspiring journey spans sports and conservation, all for a better world for us and our wildlife.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What significant achievement did Rudie van Vuuren accomplish in 2003, and why was it remarkable?
Besides his sports career, what is the main goal of the Naankuse Foundation that Rudie and his wife Marlice started in 2006?
Can you explain the dangers faced by the animals and nature that Rudie and his foundation work to protect?
In what ways is Rudie described as a passionate individual in the article? Provide specific examples.
How does Rudie’s dedication extend to Cricket Namibia, and what does it reveal about his character and interests?

Discussion questions