Part 2. Sports and Games (old speaking minimum)

Part 2. Sports and Games (old speaking minimum)

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-  Jack’s a loser! Ha-ha-ha!

Jack pretended not to pay attention to the boys’ offensive remarks. Three months passed since he had agreed to go to Economic College. But he still made no friends: all his classmates thought only about money and luxurious cars. No interest for nature, wonders and romance!

Jack decided to take up a sport – he chose baseball – just not to feel alone, but it didn’t help. The boys made fun of him, the coach scolded him because he constantly forgot either his helmet or his knee and elbow pads which delayed the whole team during practice. At last the coach swore that Jack would never participate in any game again.

Jack didn’t know why he decided to come see the Big College Championship for the College Cup. He sat on the bench and looked around. Suddenly he nearly jumped…his dream in flesh and blood was passing along his bench: beautiful complexion, slim figure and shiny golden hair…But the vision didn’t last long: Jack felt somebody shake his shoulder. It was Peter Pibody, an assistant coach.

-  Jack, we need your help! Will you be a hitter on the team?

-  What? But the coach always said that Ben was the best…

-  Nobody doubts Ben’s sportsmanship. But unfortunately, he was disqualified. – explained Peter.

-  Why?!

-  He failed the dope test. It showed Ben’s using some light drug. What a stupid guy!

-  Mr. Pibody, are you sure that I…?

-  No time to speak, Jack, hurry up. The uniform and the boots are in the cloakroom.

Jack ran to the pitch. He should concentrate! Jack hopelessly looked around. A loser, everybody considered him to be a loser. Suddenly a pleasant feeling came to the youngster, like a warm wavw. He turned and saw two big brown eyes, which seemed to radiate kindness, and the most beautiful smile in the world. Confidence came to Jack. Yes, he could do it! For the college, for his department, for this girl!

The referee made a signal. The game started. “OK, I’ll bring my team all the scores” Jack didn’t know how this thought appeared in his mind. He hit one ball, than another one. Everything lost its importance, but the girl’s smile…The youngster paid no attention to the burning sun just above his head and to the member of the rival team who came up to the pitcher and took a small mirror out of his pocket…

A dazzling light hit Jack’s eyes. He stepped aside and suddenly a great pain went through his chest and the world became dark.

-  Look, the ball hit him in the chest!

-  Be cautious, it’s a chest injury.

-  He is not breathing. Oh, my god!

Jack couldn’t catch the conversation. But suddenly it stopped as somebody approached the youngster and a warm hand touched softly his chest. 

-  Everything is OK, - said a low musical voice, - he will recover. The hand was tenderly passing over Jack’s chest and the pain started going away. Jack opened his eyes and saw the wonderful face of the girl of his dreams.

-  Don’t speak, - she said softly.

-  What’s your name? – Jack managed to whisper.

-  Lainie, - answered the voice, and Jack fainted.


Speaking Minimum Words:
to take up a sport - зайнятися спортом
coach - тренер
helmet - шолом
knee/elbow pads - наколінники, налокітники
to participate - брати участь
championship - чемпіонат
cup - кубок
assistant coach - помічник тренера
sportsmanship - спортивна майстерність, фізична підготовка
to be disqualified - бути дискваліфікованим
boots - бутси
referee - спортивний суддя, рефері
to score - забити, отримати очки
injury - травма
to recover - видужати, відновитися

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