Learning English

Olympics closing ceremony

The 2016 Olympic Games have finished with a spectacular closing ceremony in Rio. Brazil has officially handed over the Olympic flag to the 2020 hosts, Tokyo.

Language challenge

If you 'blow the whistle on someone', what do you do?

a) Report an illegal activity
b) Stop talking to someone
c) Finish a meeting

Watch the video and complete the activity

The story

The Olympic Games have officially ended with a colourful ceremony in the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The entertainment included Brazil's world-famous samba music.

The president of the Rio organising committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman said he was proud of his city, his country and his people. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic committee, said they had been a marvellous games in a marvellous city.

Tim Allman - BBC News

Like the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony had plenty of fireworks and lots of vibrant colour.

As Carmen Miranda played, the athletes arrived. This time instead of separately, nation by nation, they came in as one, what was described as the spirit of togetherness, the Olympic spirit.

Then the symbolic handing over of the Olympic flag. Japan, the hosts four years from now, getting the chance to hint at what might be coming in 2020. The country's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, kicking things off dressed as one of the Super Mario Bros.

Key words and phrases

kick off
begin or cause something to begin

pass the baton
give responsibility for something important to another person or group

wrap up
finish something 

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

Downloads

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Language challenge - answer

The answer is: a) Report an illegal activity

End of Session 2

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