Old Race, New Places

　　The drums beat as the dragon boats race . This must be mainland China or Taiwan, right? Think again. These days the traditional Chinese boats are racing in places as unlikely as England and Italy. Dragon -boat racing was introduced to the world in 1982, when the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival1 included international competitors. In the 1990s, dragon-boat racing caught on2 in many non-Asian countries. It quickly became the world’s fastest-growing water sport. What’s the appeal3 ? Dragon-boat racing combines athletic competition , cultural interest and just plain fun.

　　The boats are manned4 by 20 paddlers, one drummer and one person who steers. Nearly 18 meters long, the colorful boats resemble dragons with elaborate heads and tails. The team paddles to the beat of the drum. The boats speed along, rising high and moving smoothly along the water. In about three to six minutes, they cross the finish line.

　　The races recall Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet in ancient China. When he drowned in the Mi Luo River, the people raced out to save him. But they were too late .

　　Dragon boats are now racing in towns and cities around the world. Students, working people and older people race for fun and exercise . Serious paddlers compete for cups and medals. In the United States, the Pacific Northwest International Dragon Cup is in its 11 th year. In Toronto, about 250, 000 spectators turn out for dragon-boat races each summer. Sweden has over 400 teams. Poland, too, has several dragon-boat clubs.

　　There are even consulting businesses to help people organize local dragon-boat events. They help with site selection, team training and safety. Besides that, non-profit organizations hold competitions to raise money.

　　And various regional and worldwide races — too many to name — keep serious paddlers busy. In September 2003 , Rome hosted the Club Crews World Championship. In 2004, world-class teams gathered in Shanghai for the fifth International Dragon Boat Federation races. In 2005 . . .

　　Going to Europe this summer? If so, just remember: When in Rome, do as the Chinese do!

　　阅读自测

　　Ⅰ. Complete each sentence with a proper word , making changes where necessary: ( catch on, appeal, man, patriotic , spectator, consult, amateur, worldclass)

　　1. Lily is an _________tennis player.

　　2. Several thousand _________watched the basketball game.

　　3. That new hairstyle has really_________ . Many people have that hairstyle now.

　　4. This company does _________work. It helps people start business.

　　5. The girls _________will the radar till we get back.

　　6. Kim really loves her country. She is very_________ .

　　7. This is a _________restaurant. It is known for having excellent quality.

　　8. The new fashion soon lost its_________ .

　　Ⅱ. Answer the following question in your own words :

　　Why does the Dragon-boat Racing become so popular in the world ?

　　参考答案

　　Ⅰ. 1. amateur 2. spectators 3. caught on 4 . consulting 5. man 6. patriotic 7 . world-class 8. appeal

　　Ⅱ. Because it combines athletic competition, cultural interest and just plain fun, and people of all ages can take part in this activity.