Michigan State, Tennessee exhibition hoops game to benefit Maui wildfire charity

Category: Sports

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

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

  1. host / hoʊst / (v.) – to arrange or prepare the place and other items needed for a special event
    Example:

    The city of Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics.


  2. scrimmage / ˈskrɪm ɪdʒ / (n.) – a practice game of basketball, football, etc.
    Example:

    We had a friendly scrimmage with another team in preparation for the official game.


  3. previously / ˈpri vi əs li / (adv.) – before the present time or the time mentioned
    Example:

    She previously worked at a café before working at a restaurant.


  4. tangible / ˈtæn dʒə bəl / (adj.) – real, not imagined, and existing; able to be experienced
    Example:

    The scholarship program has a tangible impact on students from low-income families.


  5. restoration / ˌrɛs təˈreɪ ʃən / (n.) – the process of returning something to how it was before by repairing or cleaning it
    Example:

    The museum is requesting the restoration of a famous painting that was damaged during its transport.


Article

Read the text below.

Michigan State and Tennessee will meet in an exhibition basketball game to raise money for relief efforts in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.


Michigan State announced that it will play the Volunteers on Oct. 29 at the Breslin Center and all proceeds will be given to the Hawai’i Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund.


Maui’s historic seaside community of Lahaina was devastated by a wildfire, leaving more than 100 dead and an unknown number of people missing.


Michigan State has played in the Maui Invitational five times, and is scheduled to return to the tournament in 2024.


“The Maui Invitational and the city of Lahaina have always held a special place in my heart,” Michigan State Tom Izzo said. “The images we’ve all seen and the stories we’ve heard following the wildfires have touched so many of us in the college basketball world and I know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been affected.”


It is unclear what the status is of this season’s Maui Invitational.


“Our main concern right now is the safety and well-being of our Maui ‘Ohana and the first responders that we know are doing everything in their power to keep the island safe,” a message reads on the tournament website. “We will share more information as it becomes available.”


Tennessee hosted Michigan State in a scrimmage last year and the programs previously planned to face off again this year. Recently, both coaches agreed to allow the public to watch them play in a charity game.


“While we certainly need to continue to pray for the families in Maui who have been impacted, this benefit game will enable us to offer tangible support toward the restoration of Maui and its beautiful spirit,” Vols coach Rick Barnes said.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • An exhibition basketball game between Michigan State and Tennessee will bring communities together to raise money for relief efforts. Do sports events in your country play a significant role in bringing people together? What makes you say so? Discuss.
  • Do you think using sports to help victims of disasters is an effective way to draw people’s attention to humanitarian issues? Why or why not? What other avenues do you think can be used to call people’s attention to help others in need (ex. art exhibits, concerts)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In your opinion, how important is it for public figures, such as sports coaches, athletes, and other celebrities, to use their platforms to promote charitable causes and inspire others to help those in need? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the social and emotional benefits of events like this to the involved teams, audiences, and disaster victims? Discuss.