人教高中英语高二下UNIT17-2

                                                                                       

 

  THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS
        Every four years, mentally disabled athletes come together to take part in the Special Olympics. Just like the regular Olympic Games, it is surrounded by ceremony and competition is fierce, but there is also a strong sense of unity¹ and friendship. Each athlete has had to train for many years and overcome fear and hardships to reach the games. For many of the Special Olympic athletes, simply taking part in the games is a victory. It often seems as if the Olympic spirit is stronger at the Special Olympics than at the regular one: winning is not about being the first one across the finish line or scoring the most goals, but it is about being the best you can be.
        Athletes at the Special Olympics are fighters in more than one way. Living with a mental disability is perhaps the most difficult challenge a human being can face in life. The disability makes everyday life difficult and society often fails to treat the mentally disabled with dignity and respect. For a long time, mental disability was considered shameful² and the mentally disabled received little treatment or encouragement. Fortunately, we have now realised that there is much that can be done to help. The Special Olympics is one example of how society can improve the quality of life for all its citizens.
        By preparing for and participating in the Special Olympics, mentally disabled children and adults can develop their ability to move, improve their health and gain greater self-confidence. The Special Olympics is also a good way to make friends. The first Special Olympics was held in Chicago in 1968. One thousand participants from Canada and the United States competed in three events. Since then, the Special Olympics has grown. At the 2003 Special Olympics in Ireland, more than 6,500 athletes from over 150 countries took part and there were 21 different sports. Interest in the Special Olympics has spread across the world and cities are now competing for the honour to host the event. In 2007, the Special Olympics will be held in Shanghai. Chinese athletes, their friends, parents and the audience will be proud to welcome Special Olympians to China.

1 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

2 shameful   

adj.可耻的，不道德的

参考例句：

• It is very shameful of him to show off.他向人炫耀自己，真不害臊。
• We must expose this shameful activity to the newspapers.我们一定要向报社揭露这一无耻行径。