Communications Level 5 – Oral PresentationMarcio Rodrigues

Compare Ireland and two other European member states in relation to

Sport

GreeceFrance Ireland

Greece Sports are integral part of Greek culture. Sports are considered as the oldest form of entertainment of the country, which was widely played and enjoyed by most of the citizens of Greece.

Olympic Games are still considered as one of the major events in Greece and have become an international game.

In ancient Greece, the Olympic Games that took place every four years were an important part of the religious life of the Greeks. The Olympics were held at the Olympia stadium and was inaugurated with a sacrifice to Zeus.

The most popular sport in Greece is football, but the nation has had many successes in a wide range of sports over the years

WrestlingWeight liftingWater polo

BasketballFootball (Soccer)Athletics

FranceSports in France play an important role in French society, and the country has a strong sporting history. Sports in France are as intrinsic to French culture as croissants and red wine.

The most popular sport in France is footballand it was imported from England

Tony Parker has drawn attention to French basketball

Motorsports are very popular in France, especially auto racing and motorcycle racing.

Rugby was first introduced in the early 1870s

by British residents. It is predominant in the

southern half of the country, especially around

Toulouse

Tennis is the second most popular French sport

in terms of the number of licensed players with

1,111,316 licensed tennis players in France

(2012)

France holds the annual cycling race Tour de

France, which takes place each July and lasts

for three weeks which has been won 36 times

by French cyclists in its 110 year history.

Soccer is the most played team sport in Ireland. Swimming, golf, aerobics, cycling, Gaelic football and billiards/snooker are the other sporting activities with the highest levels of playing participation in the Republic of Ireland.

IrelandIn the late 1800's a national revival of the Irish language and culture gathered force. The Gaelic Athletic Association was formed in 1884 to promote both, and ever since the G.A.A. has administered the game and promoted Irish identity

Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland in terms of match attendance, and in 2003 accounted for 34% of total sports attendances at events in the Republic of Ireland, followed by hurling at 23%, soccer at 16% and rugby at 8%. Motor rally, hillwalking, and cycling are the other common sports. Every town in Ireland has local clubs involved in these sports

Hurling is the great Irish national sport

.

GOLF The major Irish tournament on the international circuit is the Murphy's Irish Open, which attracts thousands of enthusiasts to watch.

Equestrian activities, particularly show jumping and horse racing, are another key sport. Ireland has the best grass on the planet, and consequently some of the best horse flesh on the globe. Every town has its equestrian centres.