趣味双语：关于体育运动不得不说的(图)

　　This year, enjoy sports more

　　2007-2008学年 第23期

　　The new year is a time for resolutions — promises you make to yourself for the days ahead.

　　Adults usually resolve to lose weight, exercise more or give up smoking.

　　Youths who play sports can make resolutions, too. Here are some to think about for 2008.

　　Spend more time playing sports and less time watching sports. Every weekend there are dozens of football and basketball games on television. It’s OK to watch one or two, but don’t forget to go outside and play, maybe throw a football around or shoot some baskets. That’s the way to stay healthy and become a better athlete. Don’t be one of those video-game kids who think that Backyard Baseball and Madden NFL football are actual sports.

　　Learn the history of the games you enjoy. For instance, if you love lacrosse, visit the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame. You can see how the sport advanced from players wielding heavy sticks made from trees to the fast-moving, space-age game that’s so popular today.

　　Read a book about a great old-time player such as slugger Henry Aaron or running back Walter Payton. Not all of the great athletes are playing now. The stories of the games and players that your parents and grandparents watched are super-exciting. I love baseball history so much that I named my dog Matty after the great National League pitcher Christy “Matty” Mathewson, who won 373 games in the early 1900s.

　　Don’t complain about the referees and umpires. It’s easy to blame them if your team loses, but that won’t help you get better. This year, learn to accept the officials’ calls, good and bad, as part of the game. And remember to thank them afterward. It’s not an easy job.

　　Try a new sport. Playing soccer, basketball or anything else year-round is one way to get hurt or become bored with a sport. Mix it up in 2008. Learning to play a new sport is fun and usually builds your skills in other areas. Tennis is great for hand-eye coordination. Skateboarding helps your balance. Golf forces you to concentrate under pressure.

　　Don’t take sports so seriously. Yes, it’s a great way to stay healthy, meet new people and have fun. But some kids go overboard, playing on several teams and going to tournaments every weekend. Make sure you take time for reading or learning to play a musical instrument or just hanging out with friends and family. That way, you will have a great 2008.