Politics and the Olympics don't mix, and the success of the Games will be determined by the caliber of the athletes, the competition, and the friendship of the competing countries. The statement came from China's President, Hu Jinato, as he expressed the true meaning and spirit of the Games. In past years during the Cold War, nations regularly protested the Olympics due to political squabbles, and refused to allow their athletes to compete. Although there aren't any chances of similar disagreements marring the 2008 Summer Games, Hu was given the opportunity to put a positive spin days before August 8th.

China's president ignored the controversies which have dogged the games during the past months. He ignored the environmental degradation and pollution from which China suffers as it rushes to become an industrial superpower. He ignored the recent terrorist attack which killed sixteen policemen, as well as the threat to target "the most critical point of the Olympics." He ignored lapses in human rights and the strict restrictions China has placed on the media.

As a reminder, however, Hu said to the assembled reporters to respect China's laws and report fairly. The meeting was carefully controlled, as reporters had to submit questions in advance. When one reporter posed a question on human rights, Hu didn't respond.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to promote a friendlier China as it takes its place on the world stage, something China's government hopes this year's Olympics will also demonstrate.

Preview some of the lesson material:

Do you agree of disagree? Why?

1. I'm very interested in the Olympics.
2. The Olympics are politically motivated.
3. The Olympics promote peace around the world.
4. My home country often wins medals at the Olympics.
5. Countries and sponsors spend too much money on the Olympics.

Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.

1. In past years during the Cold War, nations regularly protested the Olympics due to...
2. He ignored the environmental degradation and pollution from which China suffers as it...
3. He ignored the recent terrorist attack which killed sixteen policemen, as well as...
4. He ignored lapses in human rights and the strict restrictions...
5. As a reminder, however, Hu said to the assembled reporters to...

post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

1. What's your opinion or impression of the Olympic Games? Please explain.
2. What's your opinion or impression of China? Please explain.
3. Do you think President Hu should have talked about the problems China faces? Why/not?
4. What do you think about a possible terrorist attack at the 2008 Summer Games? Please explain.
5. If you were the president of China, how would you determine if the Olympics were successful? Please explain.

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