Swiatek plans charity tennis event for Ukrainian children

Category: Sports

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. host / hoʊst / (v.) – to organize or arrange a special event by providing the place, services, and equipment for it
    Example:

    France will host the 2024 Olympics.


  2. impacted by (something) / ɪmˈpæk tɪd baɪ / (adj.) – seriously affected by something
    Example:

    The farmers were greatly impacted by the lack of rain in the last few months.


  3. exhibition match / ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ ən mætʃ / (n.) – a match that is not part of a competition or contest but is only for showing the skills of the players
    Example:

    The best NBA players were grouped in two for the weekend’s exhibition match.


  4. at least / æt list / (adv.) – used to emphasize that there’s something good in a bad situation
    Example:

    It’s not a great show, but it offers at least some entertainment.


  5. umpire / ˈʌm paɪər / (n.) – a sports official who makes sure that rules are followed in the game
    Example:

    You need to be familiar with all the rules to be an umpire.


Article

Read the text below.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek will host a charity tennis event next month in her home country of Poland to raise funds for children and teenagers impacted by the war in Ukraine.


The event in Krakow on July 23 will feature a mixed doubles exhibition match and Ukraine soccer great Andriy Shevchenko will be a special guest.


“I hope that we can see each other in large numbers in TAURON Arena Krakow and in front of the television to show the strength of sport when it unites us in helping and gives us at least a little joy,” Swiatek said on her social media accounts.


Elina Svitolina of Ukraine will serve as umpire for the event. They hope to sell at least 10,000 tickets.


“Total proceeds from the event will be donated to the support of children and teenagers affected by the war in Ukraine,” Swiatek said.


The 21-year-old Swiatek has been wearing a pin with the Ukrainian colors during her matches. She has a second-round match scheduled for June 30 at Wimbledon.


More than 4 million refugees crossed into Poland after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Poland is providing them with free shelter, social and medical care, education and job opportunities.


The All England Club banned players from Russia and Belarus from competing this year at Wimbledon because of the war.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Swiatek wants to raise funds for children and teenagers impacted by the war in Ukraine. What do you think will be the effects of war on children and teenagers? Discuss.
  • How do you think the effects of war on children and teenagers can be minimized (ex. continuing their education after they flee from conflict)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The All England Club banned players from Russia and Belarus from competing this year. How do you think this will affect players from these countries, especially those who do not support the war? Discuss.
  • Swiatek talked about “the strength of sport when it unites us in helping and gives us at least a little joy.” What do you think she meant by this? Discuss.