
©AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- logistical /luh-JIS-ti-kuhl/
[adjective] – related to organizing details of complex activities
The logistical planning ensured that equipment arrived on time. - camaraderie /kam-uh-RAH-duh-ree/
[noun] – a feeling of trust and friendship among people who spend time together
Athletes developed camaraderie after training together for months. - apprehension /ap-rih-HEN-shuhn/
[noun] – anxiety or worry about something that may happen
There was apprehension about the new training system. - infrastructure /IN-fruh-struhk-cher/
[noun] – the basic systems and structures that support a country or organization
Modern cities invest heavily in infrastructure to support growing populations. - immersive /ih-MUR-siv/
[adjective] – providing a deep and complete involvement in something
The immersive environment helped athletes focus fully on preparation.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Athletes at the Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Village on February 6, 2026, gathered beneath steady snowfall in the Dolomites as preparations intensified for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. The temporary residence, located in an Alpine valley near downtown Cortina, is hosting approximately 1,400 competitors, coaches, and officials. Organizers established the village to centralize training, housing, and daily operations ahead of competition events including curling, Alpine skiing, bobsled, luge, and skeleton. The site reflects a carefully planned logistical effort designed to ensure comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency during the international sporting event.
The village consists of 377 trailers arranged to create a compact and supportive environment, with half designed to be wheelchair-accessible for the upcoming Paralympic competitions in March. Facilities include a fitness center, dining hall, lounge areas, massage rooms, and shared social spaces that encourage cross-cultural interaction. Athletes have personalized their accommodations with flags and decorations, reinforcing national pride while fostering camaraderie. Despite earlier apprehension regarding heating and plumbing systems, participants described the infrastructure as reliable and well-maintained. Village management emphasized that the surrounding mountain landscape enhances the Olympic atmosphere, creating an immersive setting that balances athletic preparation with community engagement.
The village consists of 377 trailers arranged to create a compact and supportive environment, with half designed to be wheelchair-accessible for the upcoming Paralympic competitions in March. Facilities include a fitness center, dining hall, lounge areas, massage rooms, and shared social spaces that encourage cross-cultural interaction. Athletes have personalized their accommodations with flags and decorations, reinforcing national pride while fostering camaraderie. Despite earlier apprehension regarding heating and plumbing systems, participants described the infrastructure as reliable and well-maintained. Village management emphasized that the surrounding mountain landscape enhances the Olympic atmosphere, creating an immersive setting that balances athletic preparation with community engagement.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever followed news about Olympic preparations closely? If so, what part interested you most? If not, what would make you interested?
- Have you ever stayed in temporary housing for an event or competition? If so, how was the experience? If not, would you feel comfortable doing so?
- Do Olympic Villages help promote unity among nations?
- What challenges could arise from housing thousands of athletes in one location?
- Should host cities invest more in permanent or temporary Olympic facilities?
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.
- beneath
- intensify
- reflect
- encourage
- preparation