2 . In seventh grade, my mum suggested I join the golf league. _______ the fact that I had been taking golf lessons since I could walk, I had never played a real match of golf. And she _______ me to join a league? I was sure she had lost her _______. But as always, my mum _______ in the end. I played on the middle-school golf team in seventh grade… and eighth. When the summer before high school came, I was _______ to play on the high-school team.

At a time when most teenagers try to spend the smallest time possible with their _______, I was growing closer than ever to mine. That summer I _______ almost every Sunday morning on the golf course with my dad, and too many afternoons there with my mum. This incredible _______ with my parents continued during my high-school years. Mum and I thought it was because of the hours we spent together on the _______ course. We talked about things in the middle of a round of golf that we ________ would at home, where she is Mum and I am an annoying teenager. On the golf course, we are just two people who ________ golf.

Golfing has ________ a part of me over the past years. In the summer my friends know the place to find me is on the golf course. Golf has ________ me and made me into the person I am today. And I have to admit that all of it is ________ my mum making me join that middle-school golf league. In fact, she was ________ — as usual.

4 . After warming up, I was ready for the 1,500-meter race. I was _________ my teacher to guide me to the starting line. However, he was _________ and kept me waiting. When I noticed girls of my age lining up at the starting line, I felt _________. Suddenly, I heard the gun (起跑信号).

My heart dropped. All the training that I had done was _________.

Yet there was something inside me pushing me to _________ the competition. With my heart beating wildly, I _________ to the starting line. When I passed it, the other runners were already 200m in front of me. But when I heard the crowd (人群), I _________ that I was not running alone. I had a whole crowd of people _________ me. This made me want to _________. I tried my hardest and got closer to the other runners. I started to __________ some of the back runners and finally there was only one runner in front of me. I could hear people __________ as I chased (追) her down the straight. I crossed the finish line with a huge smile. I made it!

Everything was so unreal when I was almost deafened by the cheers of the crowd. After the race, strangers came and __________ me. But deep down I should thank them for bringing out the __________ in me.

No one would have __________ me if I had just sat down and felt unhappy with the day, saying, “I missed my race.” However, the experience shows me that there are more chances than we imagine and it’s never too late to __________.

8 . Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of witnessing a basketball game played by local villagers in Guizhou province. Despite being amateurs, the teams played with professional-level format and refereeing (裁判), creating an intense atmosphere. The rescheduled final game of the Guizhou country basketball league, known as the “Village Basketball Association (VBA),” took place in Taipan Village.

The game attracted a large audience, even on a weekday. The live stream of the game on social media platforms received 5.66 million views, generating buzz with hashtags like “what does ‘sold-out’ look like.” So, why are grassroots competitions like this more attractive to people like me than professional games? I believe it’s because sports arise from the grassroots level, allowing everyone to connect socially and find common ground.

The VBA reminded me of a basketball game I experienced during my visit to Yangshuo in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Bored of the scenic landscapes, I took a break and joined the locals and other visitors on the sidelines. Sitting on the bare ground, I felt so authentic and free that it released all my thoughts and emotions.

Similarly, in the VBA game, the winning team received modest prizes like live ducks and cooked meat, showcasing the genuine and down-to-earth nature of the competition. I even wondered if the players were cooks or farmers who could prepare the food right off the court.

The sudden popularity of the VBA can originate from the pervasive influence of social media and people’s desire to explore something different from their immediate surroundings. However, what truly resonates (共鸣) and has the potential for further growth is the pursuit (追求) of spiritual fulfillment. Grassroots sports offer an accessible and fulfilling experience, making them an ideal destination for individuals seeking a deeper connection.

9 . Have you tried to run or walk for exercise and then given up? If you answered yes, you should try a new kind of exercise: aquatic (水中的) exercise. Aquatic exercise is like exercise on land, but you do it in a swimming pool. More and more people are trying aquatic exercise now.

Aquatic exercise feels easier than exercising on land. Why? You weigh about 90% less in the pool. It is better for your knees than running or walking. Water is about 1,000 times thicker and heavier than air. To move through the water, your body has to work four times as hard. As a result, you can burn more calories (卡路里).

In fact, most people say they feel more relaxed in the water. They stop thinking about the things that make them worried. They feel in control of their bodies. The cool, quiet environment makes them feel good.

But what if you are afraid of the water? No problem! There is nothing to worry about. Aquatic exercise is safe and easy to learn. It doesn’t require any special skills. You don’t even need to know how to swim. Aquatic exercise is for everyone.