A New Kind of Olympic Sport
Reading Passage
Have you ever watched the Olympic Games? You might have seen athletes running, swimming, or doing gymnastics. But earlier this year, in the summer of 2024, the Olympic leaders announced something brand new. They said that a very different kind of activity will become an Olympic sport starting in the year 2028. Can you guess what it is? It’s competitive video gaming, also called esports!
For a long time, the Olympics have been about testing the strength, speed, and skill of the human body. Now, they want to also celebrate the skill of the human mind and quick fingers. The new event won’t be just any video game. The plan is for athletes to compete in a game that is based on a real Olympic sport. This helps connect the digital world to the physical games we already know.
This big decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the group that organizes the Olympic Games. They believe adding esports will help the Olympics connect with young people around the world. Many kids and teenagers enjoy video games, and seeing esports in the Olympics might make them more interested in the event. The President of the IOC said this change is like a “new chapter” for the Olympics, meaning the start of an exciting new part of the story.
Not everyone agrees with this idea. Some people believe the Olympics should only include sports that use the whole body in physical activity. They worry that sitting and playing video games is too different. Supporters of esports argue that players need strong focus, quick thinking, and excellent hand-eye coordination. They also train for many hours, just like traditional athletes.
What might an Olympic esports event look like? Imagine an Olympic stadium with rows of computers and large screens instead of a running track. Esports athletes would wear headphones and focus carefully on the game. Winners would stand on a podium and receive gold, silver, or bronze medals for their country.
This news from 2024 gives us a lot to think about. It shows how the world is always changing and teaches us about inclusion, which means making room for new ideas and different kinds of people. Whether you think esports in the Olympics is exciting or strange, it is an important moment for both gamers and sports fans. The first Olympic esports competition will take place in 2028, so we will have to wait and see how it turns out!
Reading Comprehension Questions
1. What is the main topic of this passage?
A) The history of the Summer Olympics.
B) A new video game that kids are playing.
C) A new kind of competition being added to the Olympic Games.
D) How to train to become a professional athlete.
2. When was it announced that esports would become an Olympic event?
A) Last week.
B) In the summer of 2024.
C) During the last Olympic Games.
D) In the year 2028.
3. According to the passage, why do some Olympic leaders think adding esports is a good idea?
A) Because video games are easier than real sports.
B) Because it will help connect the Olympics with more young people.
C) Because they want to replace running and swimming.
D) Because esports athletes don’t need to train.
4. What is one reason some people might NOT like the new esports Olympic event?
A) The video games are too expensive.
B) They believe Olympic sports should involve more physical activity.
C) They think the medals are too small.
D) It will make the Olympic Games too long.
5. What does the word “inclusion” mean in the last paragraph?
A) Winning a competition.
B) Making room for new ideas and different people.
C) Playing a video game.
D) Watching the Olympics on TV.
Vocabulary Words
- Announced (verb) – To make something known publicly or officially.
- Competitive (adjective) – Involving people or teams trying to win.
- Athletes (noun) – People trained or skilled in sports or games.
- Coordination (noun) – The ability to move body parts smoothly together.
- Historic (adjective) – Important or famous in history.
Answer Key
- C
- B
- B
- B
- B
