The World of Sport and Fitness
From the moment you step into a fitness centre, you enter a space full of energy and motivation. Around you, people lift barbells and dumbbells, stretch, and challenge themselves through every workout. Some come here simply to burn off extra calories, while others train seriously to strengthen their muscles or improve their pace before a marathon.
Modern fitness includes far more than just running or weightlifting. Many prefer dynamic classes such as aerobics to improve coordination, or martial arts like karate and judo to build both physical and mental discipline. Others take part in personal challenges — doing press-ups, pull-ups, or squats to test their endurance. Whatever the activity, the goal is always the same: to move, to sweat, and to stretch the limits of your own strength. Even a simple bounce on a ball can help you stay flexible and athletic.
Most professional sports happen in specific places. Footballers train on a pitch, tennis players compete on a court, and golfers spend hours perfecting their shots on a course. Boxers step into the ring, while fans gather in massive stadiums to watch live matches. Wherever sport is played, one thing is certain – the atmosphere is always spectacular.
In every league or tournament, teams and individuals chase one dream: victory. Winning a championship and lifting a trophy is the result of endless practice, teamwork, and skill. Sometimes the reward is a gold medal or a new record; other times, it’s the feeling of success itself. During a long season, players compete match after match, hoping to score the goal that brings their team glory.
Of course, every game needs a referee to make sure the rules are followed. The captain leads the team, while the coach provides guidance and motivation. A good competitor respects every opponent, even after a defeat, because true sport is about fairness, not just winning. Spectators play their part too — their cheers can lift players’ spirits and make the game unforgettable.
But sport is not always easy. Even the best athletes face challenges such as injuries or pressure to stay competitive. Still, their determination and discipline inspire millions to stay active. Whether you are a beginner learning new skills, or a professional chasing your next victory, sport has the power to strengthen both body and mind.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if you play football in a local league, practise yoga in a park, or jog around a school sports field. What matters is participation — being part of something bigger. Sport connects people, builds friendships, and reminds us that success is not only measured by trophies, but by effort, progress, and passion.
Revise: this topic is quite not new. You studied about sports in forms 5 and 8. Revise here: Sports and Everyday Life, Types of Sports
Learn: Now, let's dive into new vocabulary from the text above.
Key vocabulary:
Places and Equipment
barbell — [ˈbɑːbel] — a long metal bar with weights at each end; (svarcelšanas) stienis
course — [kɔːs] — an area of land or water used for a sports event; laukums (sevišķi golfam)
court — [kɔːt] — an area drawn on the ground for sports such as tennis or basketball; spēļu laukums, korts (sevišķi tenisam un basketbolam)
dumbbell — [ˈdʌm.bel] — a short bar with a weight on each end for arm and shoulder training; hantele
fitness centre — [ˈfɪtnəs sentə(r)] — a place where people go to exercise; fitnesa centrs, treniņu zāle
pitch — [pɪtʃ] — an area painted with lines for playing sports, especially football; sporta laukums (sevišķi futbolam, hokejam, kriketam)
ring — [rɪŋ] — a special area where people perform or compete; rings (sevišķi boksam)
stadium — [ˈsteɪ.di.əm] — a large closed area with seats, used for sports events or concerts; stadions
Sports, Exercises, and Actions
bounce — [baʊns] — to move up again after hitting a surface; lēkāt, lēciens
burn off — [bɜːn ˈɔf] — to use energy or fat by doing physical exercise; patērēt kalorijas
martial art — [ˌmɑː.ʃəl ˈɑːt] — a fighting or self-defence sport (e.g., karate, judo); cīņas māksla
pace — [peɪs] — the speed at which someone moves or an activity happens; gaita, temps
press-up (also: pressup) — [ˈpres.ʌp] — an exercise pushing your body up with your arms; atspiešanās, atspiesties (uz rokām, ceļot ķermeni uz augšu)
pull up — [ˈpʊl.ʌp] — exercise where you pull yourself upward on a fixed bar; pievilkšanās, pievilkties
squat — [skwɒt] — to lower yourself by bending your legs; tupēt
strengthen — [ˈstreŋ.θən] — to make something stronger or more effective; stiprināt
stretch — [stretʃ] — to make arms or legs straight to exercise joints; stiepties, stiepšanās
sweat — [swet] — to pass sweat through the skin because you’re hot or exercising; svīst, sviedri
take part — [teɪk ˈpɑːt] — to be involved in an activity with others; piedalīties
weightlifting — [ˈweɪtlɪftɪŋ] — the sport of lifting heavy weights; svarcelšana
workout — [ˈwɜː.kaʊt] — a period of physical exercise; trenēšanās, treniņš
Competitions and People
athlete — [ˈæθ.liːt] — a person who is very good at sports or exercises; sportists, atlēts
captain — [ˈkæp.tɪn] — the leader of a sports team; komandas kapteinis
championship — [ˈtʃæm.pi.ən.ʃɪp] — a high-level competition to decide the best; čempionāts, meistarsacīkstes
coach — [kəʊtʃ] — someone who teaches or trains others in a sport; treneris
competitor — [kəmˈpet.ɪ.tər] — a person or team competing against others; konkurents, sāncensis
contest — [ˈkɒn.test] — a competition between people or groups; sacensības
defeat — [dɪˈfiːt] — to win against someone; sakāve
league — [liːɡ] — a group of teams competing regularly; līga, savienība
medal — [ˈmed.əl] — a small metal disc given as a reward or honour; medaļa
opponent — [əˈpəʊ.nənt] — someone you compete against in sport; pretinieks, oponents
referee — [ˌref.əˈriː] — a person who makes sure rules are followed; tiesnesis sportā
score — [skɔːr] — to win or get a point or goal in a sport; rezultāts (gūt punktus)
season — [ˈsiː.zən] — the period during which a sport is played; sezona
spectator — [spekˈteɪ.tər] — a person who watches a sports event; skatītājs
substitute — [ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt] — to replace one player with another during a game; aizstāt, aizvietot
tournament — [ˈtʊə.nə.mənt] — a series of games where winners play each other; turnīrs
trophy — [ˈtrəʊ.fi] — a prize given to the winner of a competition; trofeja, balva
victory — [ˈvɪk.tər.i] — the fact or occasion of winning; uzvara
Qualities, Descriptions, and Skills
athletic — [æθˈlet.ɪk] — strong, healthy, and good at sports; atlētisks, labā formā
competitive — [kəmˈpet.ɪ.tɪv] — involving competition; konkurējošs
barbell — [ˈbɑːbel] — a long metal bar with weights at each end; (svarcelšanas) stienis
course — [kɔːs] — an area of land or water used for a sports event; laukums (sevišķi golfam)
court — [kɔːt] — an area drawn on the ground for sports such as tennis or basketball; spēļu laukums, korts (sevišķi tenisam un basketbolam)
dumbbell — [ˈdʌm.bel] — a short bar with a weight on each end for arm and shoulder training; hantele
fitness centre — [ˈfɪtnəs sentə(r)] — a place where people go to exercise; fitnesa centrs, treniņu zāle
pitch — [pɪtʃ] — an area painted with lines for playing sports, especially football; sporta laukums (sevišķi futbolam, hokejam, kriketam)
ring — [rɪŋ] — a special area where people perform or compete; rings (sevišķi boksam)
stadium — [ˈsteɪ.di.əm] — a large closed area with seats, used for sports events or concerts; stadions
Sports, Exercises, and Actions
bounce — [baʊns] — to move up again after hitting a surface; lēkāt, lēciens
burn off — [bɜːn ˈɔf] — to use energy or fat by doing physical exercise; patērēt kalorijas
martial art — [ˌmɑː.ʃəl ˈɑːt] — a fighting or self-defence sport (e.g., karate, judo); cīņas māksla
pace — [peɪs] — the speed at which someone moves or an activity happens; gaita, temps
press-up (also: pressup) — [ˈpres.ʌp] — an exercise pushing your body up with your arms; atspiešanās, atspiesties (uz rokām, ceļot ķermeni uz augšu)
pull up — [ˈpʊl.ʌp] — exercise where you pull yourself upward on a fixed bar; pievilkšanās, pievilkties
squat — [skwɒt] — to lower yourself by bending your legs; tupēt
strengthen — [ˈstreŋ.θən] — to make something stronger or more effective; stiprināt
stretch — [stretʃ] — to make arms or legs straight to exercise joints; stiepties, stiepšanās
sweat — [swet] — to pass sweat through the skin because you’re hot or exercising; svīst, sviedri
take part — [teɪk ˈpɑːt] — to be involved in an activity with others; piedalīties
weightlifting — [ˈweɪtlɪftɪŋ] — the sport of lifting heavy weights; svarcelšana
workout — [ˈwɜː.kaʊt] — a period of physical exercise; trenēšanās, treniņš
Competitions and People
athlete — [ˈæθ.liːt] — a person who is very good at sports or exercises; sportists, atlēts
captain — [ˈkæp.tɪn] — the leader of a sports team; komandas kapteinis
championship — [ˈtʃæm.pi.ən.ʃɪp] — a high-level competition to decide the best; čempionāts, meistarsacīkstes
coach — [kəʊtʃ] — someone who teaches or trains others in a sport; treneris
competitor — [kəmˈpet.ɪ.tər] — a person or team competing against others; konkurents, sāncensis
contest — [ˈkɒn.test] — a competition between people or groups; sacensības
defeat — [dɪˈfiːt] — to win against someone; sakāve
league — [liːɡ] — a group of teams competing regularly; līga, savienība
medal — [ˈmed.əl] — a small metal disc given as a reward or honour; medaļa
opponent — [əˈpəʊ.nənt] — someone you compete against in sport; pretinieks, oponents
referee — [ˌref.əˈriː] — a person who makes sure rules are followed; tiesnesis sportā
score — [skɔːr] — to win or get a point or goal in a sport; rezultāts (gūt punktus)
season — [ˈsiː.zən] — the period during which a sport is played; sezona
spectator — [spekˈteɪ.tər] — a person who watches a sports event; skatītājs
substitute — [ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt] — to replace one player with another during a game; aizstāt, aizvietot
tournament — [ˈtʊə.nə.mənt] — a series of games where winners play each other; turnīrs
trophy — [ˈtrəʊ.fi] — a prize given to the winner of a competition; trofeja, balva
victory — [ˈvɪk.tər.i] — the fact or occasion of winning; uzvara
Qualities, Descriptions, and Skills
athletic — [æθˈlet.ɪk] — strong, healthy, and good at sports; atlētisks, labā formā
competitive — [kəmˈpet.ɪ.tɪv] — involving competition; konkurējošs
determination — [dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən] — the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult; apņēmība
discipline — [ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn] — training that makes people more willing to obey or more able to control themselves, often in the form of rules, and punishments if these are broken, or the behaviour produced by this training; disciplīna
injury — [ˈɪn.dʒər.i] — physical harm or damage to the body; ievainojums, trauma
passion — [ˈpæʃ.ən] — a very powerful feeling, for example of sexual attraction, love, hate, anger, or other emotion; kaislība, aizraušanās
skill — [skɪl] — the ability to do something well because of practice; prasme
spectacular — [spekˈtæk.jə.lər] — very exciting to look at; iespaidīgs, aizraujošs
spectacular — [spekˈtæk.jə.lər] — very exciting to look at; iespaidīgs, aizraujošs
Practice: now that you have learned the key vocabulary, it is time to use it in practice. Answer the discussion-type questions, which will help you develop the ability to give longer answers and practise expressing opinions — just as in an English exam or real conversation. For each question, an answer prompt is available to guide you.
Discussion-Type Questions
1. Why do some people consider sport an essential part of a balanced lifestyle?
"I believe sport is essential because it strengthens both the body and the mind. Regular exercise improves endurance, reduces stress, and boosts concentration. For example, people who train regularly often sleep better and feel more productive. However, others argue that sports take too much time or energy. In my opinion, even moderate physical activity helps maintain balance and emotional well-being."
"I believe sport is essential because it strengthens both the body and the mind. Regular exercise improves endurance, reduces stress, and boosts concentration. For example, people who train regularly often sleep better and feel more productive. However, others argue that sports take too much time or energy. In my opinion, even moderate physical activity helps maintain balance and emotional well-being."
2. What personal qualities are necessary for achieving success in sports?
"In my view, success in sports depends on qualities such as dedication, perseverance, and self-discipline. For instance, professional athletes train for years before achieving recognition. While talent is important, it’s persistence that turns potential into real success. On the other hand, too much competitiveness can lead to burnout. I think true champions combine hard work with mental resilience and a healthy attitude."
"In my view, success in sports depends on qualities such as dedication, perseverance, and self-discipline. For instance, professional athletes train for years before achieving recognition. While talent is important, it’s persistence that turns potential into real success. On the other hand, too much competitiveness can lead to burnout. I think true champions combine hard work with mental resilience and a healthy attitude."
3. Should governments invest more money in promoting sports and physical education?
"I think governments should invest more because encouraging people to be active benefits public health and reduces medical costs. For example, community sports programmes can help prevent obesity and heart disease. However, some believe that this money should go to hospitals or education instead. Personally, I think promoting sports is a long-term investment in a healthier and more productive society."
"I think governments should invest more because encouraging people to be active benefits public health and reduces medical costs. For example, community sports programmes can help prevent obesity and heart disease. However, some believe that this money should go to hospitals or education instead. Personally, I think promoting sports is a long-term investment in a healthier and more productive society."
4. What are the negative effects of professional sports becoming too commercialised?
"In my opinion, the commercialisation of sport has both benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, sponsorships and media coverage bring money and opportunities for athletes. On the other hand, excessive advertising and financial pressure can damage the spirit of fair play. For instance, some teams focus more on profit than on performance. I believe sport should remain about passion and integrity, not only business."
"In my opinion, the commercialisation of sport has both benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, sponsorships and media coverage bring money and opportunities for athletes. On the other hand, excessive advertising and financial pressure can damage the spirit of fair play. For instance, some teams focus more on profit than on performance. I believe sport should remain about passion and integrity, not only business."
5. How can participation in competitive sports influence young people’s character?
"I think taking part in competitive sports helps young people develop confidence, teamwork, and emotional control. For example, learning to accept defeat teaches humility, while success builds self-esteem. However, too much pressure to win can create anxiety or frustration. In my opinion, competition should be used to teach valuable lessons about effort and cooperation rather than simply ranking students."
"I think taking part in competitive sports helps young people develop confidence, teamwork, and emotional control. For example, learning to accept defeat teaches humility, while success builds self-esteem. However, too much pressure to win can create anxiety or frustration. In my opinion, competition should be used to teach valuable lessons about effort and cooperation rather than simply ranking students."