Stephen's grandfather built a simple basket by attaching a piece of plastic to a telephone pole along a narrow dirt road, was near the small town of Grottoes. Stephen spent many childhood hours playing on this (mud) basketball court, where he learnt to be creative and flexible as a player. The bumps and rocks that lined the road under the basket caused the ball to bounce in all directions, which Stephen learnt to know where the ball (go) and shoot with great accuracy.
, Stephen was thought by many people to be too weak and too short (follow) in his father's footsteps. But he didn't give up because (play) basketball was his dream. He finally ended up playing college ball at a small, little-known school. His (create) and perseverance made him Davidson's star player.
He performed beyond everyone's (expectation) with his accurate shooting and continuous efforts. After receiving the Most Valuable Player award for two years in a row, Stephen explained his philosophy: What he wanted to do was just be himself. Inspiring others to believe in (them), he showed that anything is possible through his self-belief, hard work and perseverance.
Benefits of Sports
Doing sports is a physical, mental and social adventure. It's a great way for children to take a break from academics and release extra energy. It also helps them lead fuller and happier lives as regular sports have proven to improve overall well-being.
The physical benefits of doing sports are probably the most obvious. Regardless of your fitness level when you start playing sports, you'll notice an increase in your overall fitness once you're involved.Basketball players focus on strength training; football players work on speed while track athletes train through longer runs. The training process helps promote physical fitness and performances in competitions.
Playing sports contributes to mental health, helping to increase confidence and self-worth. A pat on the back, high-five from a teammate, or handshake after a match really boosts a child's confidence. Words of praise and encouragement from the coach, parents and other players raise the self-worth.So after a game, it's a better idea to ask "Did you enjoy the game?" rather than "Did you win?".
Children who participate in sports might also benefit from the social aspect, feeling part of a group, building up accountability and leadership.Teamwork involves both being dependable as a teammate and learning to rely on your teammates to achieve a positive outcome. Teamwork breeds accountability and challenges you to be responsible for your actions. Being part of a team gives you an opportunity to be a leader.
Discipline is another social advantage. Most organized sports require a strict training and practice schedule. As a student-athlete, you need to balance academics and athletics.
There is no shortage of reasons to find a sport to get involved in. Are you ready to go? Pick one and get moving!
A. It's not just your body that benefits from sports.
B. Therefore，playing sports is going to make you more fit.
C. But remember，a child's self-worth should not be distinguished by victory or loss.
D. If you play group sports，you'll be part of a team that takes direction from a coach.
E. Nearly every sport requires physical activity and the skills needed to be competitive.
F. Among these，learning how to function as part of a team is the most important advantage.
G. Only with strict discipline can you be successful both in the classroom and in the sports field.
I started training in tae kwon do (跆拳道) by accident. But in the first class, I learned something exciting—how to 1 someone grabbing your arm. I loved it, so I kept practicing and earning higher ranks.
At every rank, I found something 2, whether it was the kicks in the air or the increasingly complex patterns. But over time, "I can't"3"How can I?" which then became "How will I?"
One day, I showed up to class and students were 4 wooden boards. I was convinced that they were all crazy and "I can't" voice yelled again.
I watched, in 5 as student after student walked up to solid pieces of wood and broke them with their hands or their feet. When I was given the opportunity to 6 I chickened out. But my 7 were extremely patient. They invited me to work individually with them. I refused their first and second offer, but 8, I agreed to try.
They told me that board breaking was more a mental 9 than a physical one and taught me how to line up to break that board. And the first time I went to 10 it, I was so afraid that I missed and accidentally kicked the board holder's fingers. I felt 11 but he encouraged me to try again. I told that doubting voice in my 12 to "shut up!"
I focused on the 13. I thought about how much I had improved and how I had surprised myself. I told myself I 14 to believe that I was able to do amazing things. And then—suddenly that board looked a lot less 15. I kicked with everything I had and it worked.
