Sport has always been popular in our country. There are different sporting societies and clubs in Russia. Many of them take part in different international tournaments and are known all over the world. A great number of world records have been set by Russian sportsmen: gymnasts, weightlifters, tennis players, swimmers, figure skaters, runners, high jumpers. Our sportsmen take part in the Olympic Games and always win a lot of gold, silver and bronze medals. Millions of people watch figure skating competitions, hockey and football matches, car races, tennis tournaments and other sports events. Certainly watching sports events and going in for sports are two different things. In the past it was never admitted that professional sport existed in our country. The official point of view was that our sport was totally amateur. Now everybody knows that sport can be a profession and a business. But sport can be fun as well. Besides, it helps to stay in good shape, to keep fit and to be healthy. Doing sports is becoming more and more popular. Some people do it occasionally - swimming in summer, skiing or skating in winter - but many people go in for sports on a more regular basis. They try to find time to go to a swimming pool or a gym at least once a week for aerobics or yoga classes, body building or just work-out on a treadmill. Some people jog every morning, some play tennis. For those who can afford it there are clubs where they give lessons of scuba diving or riding. In spring and summer young people put on their roller-skates and skate in the streets and parks.
Questions
1. Why is sport so important in our life?
2. Do Russian sportsmen take part in the Olympic Games?
3. Do they often win medals?
4. Was there a gym or a sports ground in your school?
5. What professional sporting societies or clubs do you know?
6. Are there any keep-fit centres in your neighbourhood? Do you go there?
7. Do you go in for sports or do you prefer to watch other people playing?
8. What team are you a fan of?
9. What is your favourite kind of sport?
10. How long have you been playing it?
11. Do you take part in competitions?
12. What games are popular in Russia?
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