Before listening, try to put these sentences in order. Then listen to the tape and make any corrections to your list. The first one is done for you.

5__I start the OG when the fire in the ...

7  I am happy when new countries ...

2  I travel through many countries …

1  The sun lights me.

6  I will burn till the end of the OG.

3  The last country I visit is the one …

8  I am proud to be a bridge between…

4  The greatest honour is for the last …

Listen to the tape and take notes. Then discuss the questions with your partner.

1. Why does the torch begin its journey in Greece?

Because Greece is the place where the ancient Games were first held.

2. Why are there Special Olympic Games?

  The modern Olympic Games considers everyone should have their chance to take part in the Games. If you are mentally or physically disabled, it would obviously be unfair for you to take part against other able-bodied competitors. So the Olympic movement has devised two sets of extra Game: the Special Games (for mentally less able) and Paralympics (for physically handicapped competitors).

Listening task in the workbook

A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE ANCIENT AND THE MODERN OLYMPICS

Hello! I’m the torch that lights the Olympic fir and starts every modern Olympic Games.

I always begin my journey from Olympia in Greece where the Ancient Games were first held. I’m usually lit by the sun there and carried by many runners from different countries. Many people come to watch as I travel through their countries to the host city. However, only the best athletes carry me!

It’s a great honour and many athletes hope to get the chance to do so. The greatest honour is to be the last athlete who carries me into the stadium where the Games will be held. The last athlete gets the opportunity to light the Olympic fire. That fire will burn for the whole period of the Games and will only be put out when the Games end. I enjoy being part of so much sporting friendship. Two special sets of Olympics are held at the same time as the Summer Olympics. One is for people with physical difficulties and the other for those with learning difficulties. I am always happy to see athletes help each other and feel excited when new countries get Olympic medals. It is a wonderful experience to be a bridge between the ancient and the modern Olympic Games. Long may the Olympics continue!