Reading: Sports in Ukraine (ГР 3) Unit 4 Prepare 8

Read the text and do the task.

Sports in Ukraine

Sport is deeply woven into the culture and national identity of Ukraine. The country has a proud history of producing world-class athletes who have excelled on the global stage, especially in football, boxing, gymnastics, and wrestling.

Football (Soccer) is, without a doubt, the King of Sports in Ukraine. The passion for the game is enormous, and millions of fans follow the Ukrainian Premier League. Legendary clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk are recognized internationally. Ukraine’s national team has achieved success in major tournaments. One of the greatest figures is Andriy Shevchenko, a national hero and former European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or winner).

Boxing is another sport where Ukraine has historically dominated. The names of the Klitschko brothers—Vitali and Wladimir—are synonymous with the heavyweight division, as they held all major world titles simultaneously for a period. Today, world champions like Oleksandr Usyk continue to uphold this powerful tradition, making Ukraine a powerhouse in professional boxing.

Gymnastics, both artistic and rhythmic, has always been a source of Olympic medals for the country. Ukrainian gymnasts are known for their elegance, strength, and technical precision.

Besides these, sports like Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics (track and field), and Wrestling are very popular. Ukraine also has dedicated teams and athletes in winter sports, particularly biathlon and figure skating.

Physical Education is a mandatory part of the curriculum in Ukrainian schools, promoting healthy habits from a young age. Numerous specialized Youth Sports Schools (ДЮСШ) exist across the country, serving as the foundation for training future champions.

Sport is important for public health, but also acts as a powerful source of national pride and unity. When Ukrainian athletes succeed, the whole nation celebrates together.

Which sport is referred to as the "King of Sports" in Ukraine?

Which prestigious personal award did Andriy Shevchenko win?

In which sport did the Klitschko brothers famously compete?

What type of schools are mentioned as training future champions in Ukraine?

Which two winter sports are specifically mentioned in the text?

According to the text, what does sport act as a powerful source of?

Sport is only a minor part of the national identity of Ukraine.

Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk are famous clubs in the Ukrainian Basketball League.

The Klitschko brothers were professional boxers who held world titles.

Physical Education is an optional subject in Ukrainian schools.

Ukraine has achieved success in major tournaments with its national football team.

Wrestling is mentioned as a sport where Ukrainian athletes have excelled.