Worksheets

What do you know about basketball? Learn about the past and present of the sport. Also learn the rules and lots of useful vocabulary.

Water polo was first played in the 19th century as a type of rugby played in water. It developed differently in Europe and the USA, though it is the European version that is now played all around the world. Water polo has been on the Olympic programme since 1908. It is a tough sport which requires great stamina – athletes are not allowed to touch the sides or bottom of the pool during the whole game! Have you ever played water polo or seen a game?

Shooting has a long history. Some shooting clubs in Germany are over 500 years old. The Paralympic Shooting programme includes both rifle and pistol events for men and women. Have you ever practised shooting? If not, do you think you would be a good shot?

The sport of rowing involves pushing a boat through water using an oar/oars. Rowing has a long history. Competitions were already taking place in Ancient Egypt and Greece. Rowing became a Paralympic sport for the first time in Beijing 2008. Have you ever seen a Paralympic Rowing event?

The name of this race comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger. According to the story, he ran 42 kilometres to tell the people of Athens about the defeat of the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. At the Olympic Games the marathon is traditionally the last event on the athletics programme. It takes place shortly before the closing ceremony. Have you ever run a marathon, or another long-distance race?

‘Equestrian’ means connected with riding horses. Paralympic Equestrian Dressage developed in the 1970s. The first events were held in Great Britain and Scandinavia. Since then the sport has spread around the world. Athletes from more than 40 countries now compete on a regular basis.