The Olympic Games (Conversation questions)

Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner:

1.Do you watch the Olympic Games?Which sports are your favourites?

2. The Olympic Games were originally meant for amateur sports enthusiasts. Nowadays many competitors are professional.is this fair?

3. Are the Olympic Games just a "festival of sport" as originally intended, or are they unduly influenced by modern politics?

4. In the history of the Olympics there have been  times when countries have boycotted the Games for political reasons. To what extend do you think such action is justified?

5. Many people around the world had hoped that the centenary of the Olympic Games would be held in Athenes (where the Games started).However the Games that year were held in Atlanta,USA,home of a large soft-drinks company whic is, coincidentally, a major sponsor of the Olympic Games.It was alleged at the time that sponsors had too much  say in the organisation of the Olympics.How much say do you think sponsors of major sporting events should have?

6.Do you think it can ever be acceptable to take drugs or medicines during a sports competition such as the Olympics?

7. How do you think athletes who cheat should be treated?Should they be disqualified, banned, stripped of their medals or given a second chance?