Celebrity Readers

Transcription

Celebrity Readers
Celebrity Readers
Famous Male
Sports stars
REM 476
Authors: Marcella Hines & Sue LaRoy
Editor: Becky Majewski
Cover & Layout Designer: Christina Reville
A Teaching Resource From
©2013, 2009
Copyright by Remedia Publications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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Copyright by Remedia Publications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
The purchase of this product entitles the individual teacher to reproduce copies for classroom use.
The reproduction of any part for an entire school or school system is strictly prohibited. Copying any part of this
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Introduction
Most everyone enjoys reading about celebrities. The short, high-interest, easyto-read biographies in this book are sure to capture students’ attention. Each
story is accompanied by an activity page that tests reading comprehension
and enhances following-directions skills. Activity pages include fact-based
questions, crossword puzzles, true-false/fact-opinion questions, fill-in-theblanks, and more. A related research project for each story may require the use
of a dictionary, an almanac, encyclopedia, atlas, or the Internet. An answer key
is provided.
Interest level for this book is grades 3-12. Reading level grades 4-5.
Additional Activity:
Since the events in the lives of celebrities are constantly changing, ask students
to become reporters and write a “celebrity update,” adding any new information
that they can find on a particular celebrity. A template for this is provided on
page 29. Hold a guided class discussion in which the students share their
information and talk about their findings.
Contents
David Beckham*................(Reading Level: 5.3 / Word Count: 317)................ 1-2
Brett Favre.........................(Reading Level: 4.0 / Word Count: 339)................ 3-4
Roger Federer...................(Reading Level: 4.6 / Word Count: 311)................ 5-6
Ken Griffey, Jr....................(Reading Level: 4.0 / Word Count: 313)................ 7-8
Tony Hawk.........................(Reading Level: 4.7 / Word Count: 322).............. 9-10
Michael Jordan..................(Reading Level: 4.8 / Word Count: 295)............ 11-12
Peyton Manning................(Reading Level: 4.2 / Word Count: 316)............ 13-14
Apolo Anton Ohno.............(Reading Level: 5.0 / Word Count: 303)............ 15-16
Shaquille O’Neal................(Reading Level: 4.2 / Word Count: 321)............ 17-18
Michael Phelps..................(Reading Level: 4.7 / Word Count: 338)............ 19-20
Albert Pujols......................(Reading Level: 4.1 / Word Count: 332)............ 21-22
Alex Rodriguez..................(Reading Level: 4.6 / Word Count: 318)............ 23-24
Dwyane Wade...................(Reading Level: 4.7 / Word Count: 309)............ 25-26
Tiger Woods......................(Reading Level: 4.3 / Word Count: 315)............ 27-28
Celebrity Template............................................................................................ 29
Answer Key...................................................................................................... 30
*Image provided by Shutterstock.com
Famous Male Sports Stars
ii
©Remedia Publications
David Beckham
he was captain of the English national
team. He scored in three different FIFA
World Cups.
His good looks and talent on the field
made him a fan favorite. But in 1999
he became a superstar. He married pop
star Victoria “Posh” Adams. She was
a member of the wildly popular Spice
Girls. “Posh & Becks” became pop
royalty. They even live in a mansion called
“Beckingham Palace”. The celebrity
power couple have three boys and
a girl.
David is known for his accurate passes
and curling free kicks. His skill even
inspired a movie, Bend It Like Beckham.
During his career, he played midfield
for clubs in England, Spain, and Italy.
He also helped the Los Angeles Galaxy
win the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012.
In January 2013, he signed his last
contract with a Paris team.
O
n May 16, 2013, the headlines
read “Global Superstar to Retire”.
World-famous soccer player
David Beckham had just announced he
was retiring. He was just 38 years old.
His career lasted 20 years. It included
many victories. And it made him one of
the world’s highest paid athletes. In 2012,
he made $46 million dollars. About $9
million was from salary and winnings. The
rest of it was from product sponsors.
David has been busy off the field as well.
In 2005, he became a UNICEF Goodwill
Ambassador. He also played a major
role in bringing the 2012 Olympics to
London. He has been invited to China
to promote soccer. In 2012, he started
his Bodywear line for men. David says
nothing will ever replace the sport
he loves. But he is excited about what
lies ahead.
David Beckham was born May 2, 1975
in London, England. He soared far
beyond his wildest dreams. He became
one of Britain’s most famous athletes.
At age 18, he started out playing for
Manchester United. From 1998 to 2009,
©Remedia Publications
1
Famous Male Sports Stars
David beckham
Name_ ______________________________
Answer the questions.
1.
How long did David Beckham’s career last?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
2.
Where was David born?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
3.
When did David become a superstar?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
4.
What movie was inspired by David’s skill on the field?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
5.
Why was David invited to China?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
6.
What did David do from 1998 to 2009?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
7.
What is David known for?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
8.
Where do David, Victoria, and their kids live?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
9.
What position did David play?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
Research:Find FIFA World Cup on the Internet. What is the FIFA World Cup and
how is it different from the MLS Cup?
Famous Male Sports Stars
2
©Remedia Publications
brett Favre
As the Packers’ quarterback, Brett became
one of the best players in NFL history.
He won over 160 games. He led the
Packers to two straight Super Bowls.
Brett became the NFL leader in touchdown
passes, completions, attempts, and yards.
He won three MVP awards. He was named
to the Pro Bowl nine times. When Brett
stepped off the field for the last time as a
Packer, he had played in every game since
his first one.
Despite his success, Brett always talks
about his team and what it has done. Brett
is respected for this. He is also respected
for his toughness. He has played through
many injuries. He even played the day
after his father died. Brett is a leader who
makes his teammates want to play their
best.
B
rett
Favre
retired
from
professional football on March 4,
2008. Once voted the Toughest
Athlete in Sports, he choked
back tears as he said, “I expect a lot out
of myself. And if I cannot do those things
100 percent, then I can’t play.”
Six months later, Brett was back on the
field. He had missed playing too much. He
wanted to be back on the field throwing
touchdowns and winning games.
Brett is a leader off the field, too. He started
the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation in
1996. It holds a golf tournament, celebrity
softball game, and fundraising dinners
every year. It raises money for needy
children in Mississippi and Wisconsin. So
far, it has raised over $2 million.
Brett was born October 10, 1969, in
Mississippi. The Atlanta Falcons drafted
Brett into the NFL in 1991. Brett was traded
to the Green Bay Packers one year later.
He played with them for 16 years. Today
Brett plays for the New York Jets.
In his first game as a New York Jet, Brett
led his team to victory. He threw six
touchdowns in his fourth game. This was
one fewer than the NFL record. The man
known for his hard work and dedication
was at it again.
©Remedia Publications
3
Famous Male Sports Stars
brett Favre
Name_ ______________________________
Rewrite each sentence to make it true.
1.
Brett Favre was once voted the Slowest Athlete in Sports.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
2.
Brett played with the Green Bay Packers for one year.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
3.
Brett plays wide receiver.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
4.
The Brett Favre Fourward Foundation raises money for homeless people.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
5.
Brett now plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
6.
Brett is respected for giving credit to his team and paying for team dinners.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
Research:Brett Favre broke Dan Marino’s record for yards thrown. Find Dan
Marino in an encyclopedia. When was Dan in the NFL? What team did
he play for?
Famous Male Sports Stars
4
©Remedia Publications
roger federer
his temper. Roger’s coach also helped
Roger improve his game. Soon, Roger
was making his way to the pros.
Roger turned pro in 1998. He won his first
Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon
in 2003. Since then, Roger has won 13
Grand Slam singles titles. Overall, he
has won 56 singles tournaments. He has
won many awards. The most prestigious
award he’s won is the Laureus World
Sportsman of the Year Award. It is for
athletes who have been outstanding
in their sport during the previous year.
Roger has won the award four times.
hat would you do if you
were the No. 1 athlete in
your sport for four years in
a row? You might ask pro
tennis player Roger Federer what he did.
Roger was ranked the No. 1 tennis player
in the world for 237 weeks in a row, from
February 2, 2004, to August 17, 2008.
In addition to tennis, Roger works with
many charities. In 2003, he started the
Roger Federer Foundation. It helps
poor people. It brings sports to needy
children. Roger also works with UNICEF.
In 2004, he visited an area in India that
was devastated by a tsunami. He was
amazed at the way that the people
were using the disaster to make their
community stronger.
Roger was born August 8, 1981, in
Switzerland. He started playing tennis
when he was six years old. As a young
player, Roger got upset with himself when
he played poorly or lost. He would yell
or hit his racket against fences. Roger’s
coach helped Roger learn to control
Roger may not be No. 1 anymore, but
many tennis critics and tennis players
consider him to be the best player
in the history of tennis. Despite this,
Roger does not stop working hard. He
wants to make sure that he is around for
years to come.
W
©Remedia Publications
5
Famous Male Sports Stars
roger federer
Name_ ______________________________
Draw a line to match each word on the left with its definition on the right.
improve
•
• brought to ruin
prestigious•
• to make better
devastated•
• having a high reputation
tsunami •
• a huge sea wave caused by an
underwater earthquake or
volcanic eruption
Shade in the circle next to the correct answer.
1.
Roger Federer has won 13 ______.
singles tournaments
Laureus Awards
Grand Slam singles titles
2.
When did Roger turn pro?
1998
2003
1981
3.
Who does the Roger Federer
Foundation help?
kids who want to play tennis
UNICEF
poor people
4.
Roger was ranked the No. 1 tennis
player in the world for ______.
237 weeks
56 days
13 years
5.
When did Roger not get upset
with himself?
when he lost
when he won
when he played poorly
6.
Why does Roger work hard?
He wants to be No. 1 again.
He wants to win
more awards.
He wants to be around for
years to come.
Research:Find tennis in an encyclopedia. What are the major tennis
tournaments? What does it mean to win a Grand Slam?
Famous Male Sports Stars
6
©Remedia Publications
Ken griffey, jr.
Ken played center field for the Seattle
Mariners for nine years. There, he made
a name for himself as a great outfielder.
Ken became known for making diving
plays and leaping over the back wall to
catch balls. He also became known for
his hitting. He was his team’s all-time
leader in home runs and runs batted in.
Ken was so good that he had four video
games named for him! People enjoyed
playing games like Ken Griffey Jr.’s
Slugfest. They liked hitting like the bigleague slugger.
Seattle fans loved Ken. He was their
star. Ken loved the fans too, but he also
loved his family. In 2000, Ken asked to
be traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Playing
for the Reds would let him be closer to
his family. The deal was made, and Ken
became a Reds player.
O
n April 3, 1989, Ken Griffey,
Jr. walked onto the baseball
field wearing a Seattle
Mariners jersey. It was his
first game in MLB. Little did he know
that he would become one of the best
baseball players in history.
In 2008, the Reds traded Ken to the
Chicago White Sox. There, Ken made
history. On June 9, 2008, Ken became a
member of the 600 club. He hit his 600th
home run. This made him fifth on the list
of most home runs hit.
Ken was born November 21, 1969, in
Donora, Pennsylvania. Ken followed in
his father’s footsteps. Ken’s dad played
baseball. He played for the Cincinnati
Reds. In 1990, Ken and his father played
together for the Mariners. They were the
first father and son to play on the same
lineup in baseball history.
©Remedia Publications
Fans cheer whenever this 13-time AllStar and 10-time Gold Glove winner
steps up to the plate. They want to see if
he’ll hit another home run and move up
to the top of the list.
7
Famous Male Sports Stars
Ken griffey, jr.
Name_ ______________________________
Match the clues to the words in the box. Write the answers on the lines.
outfield
video games
13
1989
nine
White Sox
family
hitting
1.
team Ken Griffey, Jr. plays for today ____________________________________
2.
Ken’s first year in MLB
____________________________________
3.
something Ken became known for
with the Seattle Mariners
____________________________________
4.
what Ken had named for him
____________________________________
5.
position Ken plays
____________________________________
6.
number of times Ken has been
an All-Star
____________________________________
7.
reason Ken asked to be traded to the
Cincinnati Reds
____________________________________
8.
number of years Ken played for
the Mariners
____________________________________
Research:Find the website for Major League Baseball on the Internet. Who has
hit the most home runs in MLB? How many has he hit?
Famous Male Sports Stars
8
©Remedia Publications
tony hawk
Tony did many things in his years as a
pro skateboarder. He won 73 titles. He
invented tricks like the Airwalk, Stale
Fish, and Ollie 540. He was named
the top skateboarder every year from
1984 to 1996. All of this helped make
skateboarding a recognized sport.
When he wasn’t on his skateboard,
Tony
was
creating
a
business
from skateboarding. Tony owns two
companies, one that makes skateboard
equipment and one that makes kid’s
skateboard clothing. He also has his
own video games. Young skateboarders
everywhere can pretend to be Tony Hawk
while playing games like Tony Hawk’s
Pro Skater.
S
kateboarder Tony Hawk flew into
the air. He grabbed the front of
his skateboard. He tried to spin
around 2½ times. He spun two
times before he wiped out. Tony headed
back to the skate ramp. I’m going to get
this trick one day, he thought.
Tony doesn’t compete anymore, but
skateboarding is still a big part of his life.
He started a foundation that has built over
390 skate parks in poor areas around
the U.S. In 2002, Tony started a touring
company called Boom Boom Huckjam.
It is made up of the world’s best extreme
sports athletes.
Tony did get the trick. The trick is called
the 900. Nobody had ever done it before.
Tony landed it at the 1999 X Games.
Shortly after that, he retired. The 900 was
the last trick on a list of tricks he wanted
to land in his lifetime.
Tony is still amazed at how his life has
turned out. “I never thought that I could
make a career out of skateboarding,”
he said. Tony didn’t just make a career
out of skateboarding – He made a life
out of it!
Tony was born May 12, 1968, in California.
He got his first skateboard when he
was nine. Soon, his life was all about
skateboarding. At 16, Tony was the best
skateboarder in the world!
©Remedia Publications
9
Famous Male Sports Stars
tony hawk
Name_ ______________________________
Match the clues to the words in the box. Write the answers on the lines.
900
16
skateboarding
nine
extreme
Stale Fish
73
clothing
2½
California
1.
Tony Hawk’s sport
____________________________________
2.
trick Tony Hawk landed at the
1999 X Games
____________________________________
age Tony became the best
skateboarder in the world
____________________________________
3.
4.
what one of Tony’s companies makes____________________________________ 5.
name of a trick Tony invented
____________________________________
6.
kind of athletes that are in Tony’s
touring company
____________________________________
number of times you spin around
in the 900
____________________________________
age when Tony got his first
skateboard
____________________________________
where Tony was born
____________________________________
10. number of titles Tony won
____________________________________ 7.
8.
9.
Research:Find skateboarding in an encyclopedia. When did skateboarding gain
its popularity? What other sport was popular at the time?
Famous Male Sports Stars
10
©Remedia Publications
michael jordan
T
he Bulls player with the number
23 on his back launched
himself into the air. He seemed
to defy gravity. He hurled the
basketball toward the hoop. People in
the crowd held their breath. WHOOSH!
The arena exploded in wild cheering for
“Air Jordan.”
Basketball great Michael Jordan was
born February 17, 1963. He grew up in
North Carolina. Michael began making
a name for himself at the University of
North Carolina. It was not long before his
speed, skill, and scoring ability caught
the eye of the NBA.
In 1984, Michael was picked third in the
NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. During
his 14 years in the NBA, Michael played
for two teams: the Chicago Bulls and
the Washington Wizards. It was with the
Bulls, though, that Jordan became the
greatest basketball player of all time.
Michael is a legend off the court as well.
He endorses products for companies like
Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes. He has his
own line of basketball gear, called Jordan
Brand. Michael was even in a movie.
It was called Space Jam. He helped the
Looney Tunes beat a group of aliens in a
basketball game.
When Michael retired from the NBA in
2003, he was a basketball legend. He
had led the Bulls to six championships.
He was a five-time MVP. He held several
NBA records. He had helped the U.S.
Men’s Basketball team win two Olympic
gold medals. It is no wonder that Michael
was named The Greatest Athlete of the
20th Century by ESPN.
©Remedia Publications
Today, Michael focuses on being
retired. He golfs and spends time with
his kids. Basketball is still in his blood,
though. In 2006, Michael became partowner of the Charlotte Bobcats. This
legend still has a lot to offer future
basketball players.
11
Famous Male Sports Stars
michael jordan
Name_ ______________________________
Shade in the circle next to the correct answer.
1.
Michael became the greatest
basketball player of all time with
the ______.
Washington Wizards
Charlotte Bobcats
Chicago Bulls
6.
Michael became part-owner of the
______.
Chicago Bulls
Washington Wizards
Charlotte Bobcats
7.
Where did Michael go to college?
The University of North
Carolina
The University of Chicago
The University of Washington
2.
What caught the NBA’s eye?
Michael’s skill
Michael’s flashy moves
Michael’s grades
3.
What is Michael’s line of
basketball gear called?
Nike
Jordan Brand
Jordans
8.
Michael helped the ______ in the
movie Space Jam.
Looney Tunes
Power Rangers
Ninja Turtles
4.
Michael led the Bulls to ______
championships.
five
two
six
9.
What does Michael spend his time
doing now that he is retired?
cooking
golfing
cleaning
5.
Michael helped the ______ win
two Olympic gold medals.
Chicago Bulls
U.S. Men’s Team
Charlotte Bobcats
10. Michael was named The Greatest
______ of the 20th Century.
Athlete
Man
Scorer
Research:Michael Jordan actually retired from the NBA three times. Find
Michael Jordan in an encyclopedia. In what years did he retire?
What sport did he play during his first retirement?
Famous Male Sports Stars
12
©Remedia Publications
peyton manning
Peyton had great high school and
college careers. As the No. 1 high
school recruit, Peyton went on to play
football at the University of Tennessee.
There, he became the school’s all-time
leading passer. He set 42 NCAA, SEC,
and Tennessee records. Three years
after he graduated, Tennessee retired his
jersey number.
he Indianapolis Colts lined up for
the snap. Quarterback Peyton
Manning yelled out the play.
When the ball was snapped, he
carried it backwards. He found his man
in the end zone and threw the football.
TOUCHDOWN!
In 1998, Peyton entered the NFL as the
No. 1 draft pick for the Indianapolis Colts.
Today, he is one of the best quarterbacks
in the NFL. He holds the NFL record for
throwing 4,000 or more yards for the
most number of years in a row. He was
the Colts’ all-time leader in passing yards
and passing touchdowns for 14 seasons.
He led the Colts to a Super Bowl win in
2006 and was named the Super Bowl
MVP. He has been selected to the Pro
Bowl eight times. Peyton Manning has
clearly made a name for himself.
Peyton was born March 24, 1976, in
New Orleans, Louisiana. Football is in
Peyton’s blood. Peyton’s father was a
star quarterback in the NFL. Peyton says
that the help and support he got from his
dad is part of what made him so good.
Peyton’s younger brother, Eli, also plays
quarterback. Eli plays for the New York
Giants. Colts-Giants games are always
exciting to watch!
Yet Peyton never stops working hard. In
college, he was always reading through
his playbook and going over game tapes.
Peyton is still like this today. He has his
teammates run a play until they get it
perfect. His teammates aren’t bothered
by this, though. They see where it’s
gotten Peyton, and they know that
it will continue to get him where he
wants to go.
T
©Remedia Publications
13
Famous Male Sports Stars
peyton manning
Name_ ______________________________
Answer the questions.
1. What team does Peyton Manning play for? What position does he play?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
2.
Who is Eli Manning?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
3.
Why is football in Peyton’s blood?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
4.
What does Peyton say made him such a good player?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
5.
Where did Peyton become the all-time leading passer?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
6.
What draft pick was Peyton in the 1998 NFL Draft?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
7.
What NFL record does Peyton hold?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
8.
When did Peyton lead the Colts to a Super Bowl win?_ ____________________
9.
What was Peyton always doing in college?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
10. Why doesn’t Peyton’s behavior today bother his teammates?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
Research:Find Peyton Manning in an encyclopedia. What team was his father,
Archie Manning, a star quarterback for?
Famous Male Sports Stars
14
©Remedia Publications
apolo anton OHNO
W
hen Apolo Anton Ohno
was 15 years old, he made
a decision that most kids
his age aren’t ready make.
He decided what he wanted to do with
his life.
Apolo was born May 22, 1982, in
Washington state. He began speed
skating when he was 14 years old. Even
though he was very good, Apolo was not
serious about skating. He did not train
hard. He did not eat healthy. As a result,
Apolo did not make the 1998 Winter
Olympic team.
Not making the Olympic team made Apolo
very upset. He thought about quitting.
Apolo went away to think. He went to a
cabin with no TV or phone. There, Apolo
thought about whether or not he wanted
to speed skate. He thought about what
he wanted for his future. Sitting on a rock
in the rain one morning, Apolo decided
that he wanted to be a speed skater.
in the 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000-meter
races. He has been the World Cup overall
champion three times. Apolo is now one
of the top speed skaters in the world.
In 2007, Apolo took his fast moves to
another place. He competed on the TV
show Dancing With the Stars. There,
he wowed audiences with his smooth
moves. He and his dance partner danced
their way to the top and won!
From then on, Apolo took skating
seriously. This paid off. Apolo has won
five Olympic gold medals. Only one other
male Olympian has that many medals
from the Winter Olympics. Apolo has been
the U.S. overall champion eight times.
He has been the World Cup champion
©Remedia Publications
Apolo has proven that it takes more than
talent to be a winner. It also takes desire,
dedication, and hard work. These things
have proven to be a winning formula for
Apolo Anton Ohno.
15
Famous Male Sports Stars
apolo anton OHNO
Name_ ______________________________
Read each clue. Fill in the puzzle with the correct words from the story.
Down:
1. Apolo was born in ______ state.
2. Apolo thought about what he
wanted for his ______.
3. Apolo is one of the ______ speed
skaters in the world.
5. It also takes ______, dedication,
and hard work to be a winner.
8. Apolo has won ______ Olympic
gold medals.
Across:
2. Apolo and his dance partner took
______ place.
4. Apolo has been named the ______
champion in the 500
and 1000-meter races.
6. In 2007, Apolo competed on a
______ show.
7. Apolo is a speed ______.
9. At first, Apolo was not ______
about skating.
Research:Find speed skating in an encyclopedia. When and where did speed
skating start?
Famous Male Sports Stars
16
©Remedia Publications
Shaquille o’neal
S
haquille “Shaq” O’Neal stood
mid-court holding the NBA
trophy. The fans cheered. Tears
welled up in the 7-foot-1-inch
tall, 325-pound center’s eyes and spilled
out. The Los Angeles Lakers had won
the 2000 NBA championships.
Shaq was born March 6, 1972, in New
Jersey. Shaq was a star on his high
school basketball team. He led the team
to a state championship his senior year.
Shaq continued to shine at Louisiana
State University. There, he was voted AllAmerican two years in a row. He was the
NCAA Player of the Year in 1991. Shaq
was clearly NBA material.
Shaq is known for his size and his
shooting. He averages 25.2 points a
game. Teams sometimes have two or
three players guard him at once!
In 1992, the Orlando Magic drafted
Shaq into the NBA. In his first year, Shaq
averaged 29.3 points and 13.2 rebounds
a game. He was named the Rookie of
the Year.
Shaq’s talent is not just limited to the
basketball court. Shaq has a master’s
degree in Business. He has been in movies
like Kazaam and Steel. He has recorded
six rap albums. He has served as a
reserve officer in two police departments.
He is also the father of six children.
Basketball, school, movies, singing, law
enforcement, and parenthood – It seems
like Shaq has done it all!
Since joining the NBA, Shaq has played
for four teams: the Magic, the Lakers,
the Miami Heat, and the Phoenix Suns.
He has been a key player on each
team. He helped the Lakers win three
championships. He led the Heat to its first
championship in 2006. He has helped the
Suns’ defense improve. This 3-time NBA
Finals MVP and 14-time All-Star makes a
difference wherever he goes.
©Remedia Publications
When Shaq signed with the Phoenix
Suns in 2008, he said he wanted to bring
the team a championship. With Shaq’s
history, this may very well happen!
17
Famous Male Sports Stars
Shaquille o’neal
Name_ ______________________________
If the statement is true, circle the letter under TRUE.
If the statement is false, circle the letter under FALSE.
TRUE
H
1. Shaq is 7 feet, 1 inch tall.
FALSE
Z
2.
The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2006 NBA Championships. L
A
3.
Shaq was born in New Jersey.
C
P
4.
Shaq was the NCAA Player of the Year at Louisiana
State University.
K
R
5.
The first NBA team Shaq played for was the Miami Heat.
R
A
6.
Shaq won three NBA championships with the Lakers.
S
B
7.
Shaq has been an NBA Finals MVP 3 times.
H
M
8.
Shaq has been in the army.
T
A
9.
Shaq said he wants to help the Phoenix Suns win
a championship.
Q
F
Write the letters you have circled in order on the lines below to find out what it
is called when players try to foul Shaq.
–
–
Research:Find basketball in an encyclopedia. Who invented basketball? In what
year was it invented?
Famous Male Sports Stars
18
©Remedia Publications
Michael phelps
Lots of training was part of Michael’s
plan. Michael trains every day for two to
five hours. He doesn’t take breaks, not
even for holidays or birthdays. Michael’s
workouts are hard. They are so hard that
sometimes he thinks he won’t be able to
do them. He always does, though.
Because he trains so much, Michael
has to eat a lot. He eats 8,000-10,000
calories a day. For lunch he might have
one pound of pasta with tomato sauce,
two large sandwiches, and energy
drinks.
Michael’s splash into the 2004 Olympics
showed that his plan was working.
He won six gold and two bronze medals
in Athens. He was one gold medal short
of the world record of seven gold medals
in one Olympics.
A
hush fell over the pool. The two
swimmers had been neck and
neck when they took their last
stroke. Who won? The crowd
went wild when the names and times
flashed on the screen. Michael Phelps
had won by 0.01 seconds! “The Baltimore
Bullet” had tied the world record for most
gold medals won in a single Olympics!
Michael broke the record in the 2008
Olympics. He won eight gold medals
in Beijing. He also broke four individual
world records and three team world
records that year. When asked how he
won eight Olympic gold medals, Michael
said, “Hard work, dedication, and having
a goal.”
Michael was born June 30, 1985, in
Baltimore, Maryland. At a young age,
Michael was diagnosed with ADHD.
He started swimming to help keep him
focused. By 10, Michael had decided
that he wanted to win an Olympic gold
medal, break a world record, and become
a professional athlete. He and his
coach came up with a plan to help him
do these things.
©Remedia Publications
In the 2012 Olympics, the 27-year-old
became the most decorated Olympian!
Michael has 22 Olympic medals—19 of
them gold!
Michael Phelps is a living example of
what happens when you dream big and
work hard.
19
Famous Male Sports Stars
Michael phelps
Name_ ______________________________
Draw a line to match each word on the left with its definition on the right.
individual •
•making ready for a test of skill
or strength
training
•
•to do something with a goal
in mind
dedication •
•something that serves as a pattern to follow
example
•
•one person
Shade in the circle next to the correct answer.
1.
Michael won a race by ______.
0.01 seconds
30 seconds
100 seconds
4.
What is Michael’s nickname?
“The Fastest Man on Earth”
“The Wonder Kid”
“The Baltimore Bullet”
2.
How many gold medals did
Michael win in the 2008
Olympics?
6
2
8
5.
What did Michael and his coach
come up with?
a plan
a diet
a song
6.
Which of the following medals
did Michael not win at the 2004
Olympics?
gold
silver
bronze
3.
Where was Michael born?
Athens
Baltimore
Beijing
Research:Use the Internet to find who had won the most gold medals in one
Olympics before Michael broke the record. What was this person’s
name? In what events did this person win his or her medals?
Famous Male Sports Stars
20
©Remedia Publications
Albert pujols
T
he batter swung at the pitch.
CRACK! The ball flew out of
the park. The crowd cheered.
Albert Pujols had hit another
home run!
Albert plays first base for the St. Louis
Cardinals. He is known as a hard and
consistent hitter. He is the first MLB
player to hit over 30 home runs and
100 RBIs every season for 8 years.
Albert has hit 450 home runs. He is the
fourth-youngest player to do this. Albert
is so good that some pitchers walk him
on purpose.
Albert was born January 16, 1980, in the
Dominican Republic. He moved to the
U.S. when he was 16. At his first college
game, Albert hit a grand slam and had
an unassisted triple play. This was just a
taste of what was to come.
All-Star. They even helped the Cardinals
win the 2006 World Series.
In 2008, Albert won the Roberto Clemente
Award. It goes to a player who plays
really well, shows good sportsmanship,
and gives back to the community. Albert
is known for the work he does in the
community. He started the Pujols Family
Foundation in 2005. It helps children with
Down syndrome. It helps needy families
in the Dominican Republic. Albert
loves helping people. He says that it’s
what he does off the baseball field that
really matters.
Albert played his first MLB game
April 2, 2001. In his second game, he hit
one home run and three doubles. He hit
like this the rest of the season, earning
the National League Rookie of the
Year Award.
Albert is also a great first baseman.
He has won the Gold Glove Award once
and the Fielding Bible Award twice.
Albert’s hitting and fielding won him the
National League MVP award in 2005 and
2008. His skills made him a seven-time
©Remedia Publications
Albert’s hard-hitting ways have made him
a baseball star. It is not hard to believe
that he will keep knocking balls out of
the park for years to come.
21
Famous Male Sports Stars
Albert pujols
Name_ ______________________________
Answer the questions.
1.
When and where was Albert Pujols born?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
2.
What team does Albert play for? What position does he play?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
3.
How many home runs has Albert hit?_ ___________________________________
4.
What award did Albert win his first year in MLB?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
5.
What is Albert the first MLB player to do?
_ ____________________________________________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
6.
Name one thing Albert did at his first college game.
_ ____________________________________________________________________
7.
How many times has Albert been an All-Star?_____________________________
8.
When did Albert move to the U.S.?_ _____________________________________
9.
What is the name of the Pujols’ foundation?_ _____________________________
10. Who does Albert’s foundation help?_ ____________________________________
_ ____________________________________________________________________
Research:Find Down syndrome in an encyclopedia. What causes
Down syndrome?
Famous Male Sports Stars
22
©Remedia Publications
ALEX RODRIgUEZ
S
MACK! The baseball sailed over
the fence. The batter jogged
around the bases to cheers of
“A-Rod! A-Rod!”
Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez is the third
baseman for the New York Yankees.
Alex was born July 27, 1975, in New
York City. Alex lived in the Dominican
Republic for four years. There, he learned
to play baseball. One of Alex’s favorite
players was shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr.
Alex played shortstop like Cal and tried
to play the way Cal did. Little did Alex
know that he would one day play against
Cal in the Major Leagues.
Alex joined MLB in 1993. He signed
with the Seattle Mariners. At 18, he
was the youngest player in the league.
Alex played shortstop for the American
League teams the Mariners and the
Texas Rangers. On these two teams, Alex
became known as a great shortstop and
a power hitter. While with the Rangers,
Alex hit 57 home runs in one season. This
was the most home runs for a shortstop
in the American League.
In August 2010, Alex hit the 600th home
run of his career. He became the seventh
player to reach this milestone.
Alex has won many awards. He has
won the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove
Awards. He has been named MVP and
Player of the Year.
In 2007, Alex signed a 10-year contract
with the Yankees for $275 million. If he
breaks the all-time home run record of
762, he will make $30 million more. This
is the richest contract in sports history.
At the pace Alex is going, he may very
well break the record and become the
highest-paid athlete in history!
Today, Alex is known as one of the best
all-around players in baseball. He is
usually one of the leaders in home runs,
runs scored, runs batted in, total bases,
and extra base hits. In 2004, he became
the youngest player to hit 500 home runs.
©Remedia Publications
23
Famous Male Sports Stars
ALEX RODRIgUEZ
Name_ ______________________________
Shade in the circle next to the correct answer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Alex Rodriguez lived in the
Dominican Republic for _______
years.
57
4
10
How many home runs did Alex hit
for the Rangers in one season?
18
500
57
Who was one of Alex’s favorite
players?
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Hank Aaron
Babe Ruth
Alex has the richest ______ in
sports history.
contract
picture
house
6.
Alex is the youngest player to hit
500 ______.
doubles
home runs
singles
7.
Which of the following is not a
position Alex has played?
shortstop
third base
first base
8.
What is Alex’s nickname?
“A-Rod”
“Cal”
“Silver Slugger”
9.
Alex has been named the Player
of the ______.
Week
Year
Decade
10. What is Alex known as?
the best hitter in baseball
the best third baseman of
today
one of the best all-around
players
Today, Alex plays for the New York
______.
Mets
Knicks
Yankees
Research:Find Cal Ripken, Jr. in an encyclopedia. What record did he break on
September 6, 1995? Who held the record before he broke it?
Famous Male Sports Stars
24
©Remedia Publications
Dwyane WADE
D
wyane Wade set himself as
a rising star in the 2004 NBA
playoffs. Playing guard for the
Miami Heat, the rookie scored
an average of 21 points a game and led
the Heat to the semifinals. That year,
Dwyane was named to the All-Rookie
and Olympic basketball teams. This was
just the beginning of his NBA career.
Dwyane was born January 17, 1982,
in Illinois. Growing up, Dwyane was a
Michael Jordan fan. Dwyane did not
know then that he would one day be one
of the NBA’s top players himself.
Dwyane is known for his speed and
scoring ability. He is known for playing
with what former teammate Shaq calls
“fire and heart.” Dwyane’s playing has
earned him a championship with the
Heat. It has earned him bronze and
gold Olympic medals. It has earned him
awards like Finals MVP and Best NBA
Player of the Year. It has made him
popular with fans. This four-time All-Star
had the top-selling jersey in the NBA for
two years!
In addition to all of this, Dwyane still has
time for his family. Dwyane married his
high school sweetheart and only girlfriend
in 2002. They have two boys. Dwyane
makes it a point to spend as much time
as he can with his family.
Dwyane also takes the time to work with
needy children. That is why he started the
Wade’s World Foundation. It is helping
others, not the honors from basketball,
that matter the most to Dwyane. Dwyane
says, “I want to leave the world a better
place than I found it.” That is what will
make him truly happy.
Dwyane is also popular off the court.
He was named the NBA’s Best Dressed
Player by GQ, a men’s magazine. He
has his own brand of shoes called “The
Wade.” He even does commercials with
former NBA great Charles Barkley!
©Remedia Publications
25
Famous Male Sports Stars
Dwyane WADE
Name_ ______________________________
Cross out the sentences that are NOT CORRECT or are NOT INCLUDED
in the story.
Winning NBA championships is what makes Dwyane truly happy.
Dwyane even does commercials with Michael Jordan!
Dwyane makes it a point to spend time with his two pit bulls.
Dwyane is known for his speed and scoring ability.
Dwyane graduated from Marquette University.
Dwyane’s playing has earned him a championship with the Heat.
That is why he started the Wade’s World Foundation.
Dwyane Wade set himself as a rising superstar in the 2004 NBA playoffs.
Write the sentences you have not crossed out in the order that they appear in
the story.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Research:Find Charles Barkley in an encyclopedia. What years did he play in the
NBA? What teams did he play for?
Famous Male Sports Stars
26
©Remedia Publications
TIGER WOODS
F
amous golfer Tiger Woods
showed a talent for golf at an
early age. When he was just six
months old, Tiger would imitate
his dad’s golf swing. Tiger’s parents put
a golf club in his hand, and there was no
stopping him.
Tiger was born December 30, 1975, in
Cypress, California. Tiger’s real name is
Eldrick. Tiger is a nickname given to him
by his father. It is the same nickname his
father gave to a soldier friend of his. When
he was 21, Tiger made his nickname his
official first name.
Tiger turned pro in 1996. He won
two tournaments. He was named
Sportsman of the Year and PGA Rookie
of the Year. This was just the start for
the young golfer.
In 2008, Tiger showed the world just how
dedicated he is to golf. After winning
the U.S. Open for the third time, Tiger
announced that he would be taking the
rest of 2008 off. He’d been playing with a
torn knee ligament and a stress fracture
for 10 months and needed surgery.
It wasn’t long, though, before he was
back on the course.
As of 2008, Tiger had won 87 tournaments.
He has won each major golf tournament.
In 2001, Tiger achieved a career Grand
Slam. He held the title for each of the
major golf tournaments at the same time.
He is the youngest player to do this.
Tiger’s dedication has paid off. He has
been given many honors, including the
PGA Player of the Year Award, which he
has won a record nine times. It is easy to
see why Tiger is considered one of the
best golfers of all time.
Tiger works hard at his game. He studies
videos of his past games and thinks about
every move he made. Tiger knows that
the only way he can be the best golfer he
can be is through hard work.
©Remedia Publications
27
Famous Male Sports Stars
TIGER WOODS
Name_ ______________________________
Read each clue. Fill in the puzzle with the correct words from the story.
Down:
2. Tiger was named the PGA ______
of the Year in 1996.
3. Tiger won the PGA ______ of the
Year Award nine times.
5. Tiger was born in ______.
6. Tiger achieved a career ______ in
2001.
Across:
1. Tiger turned ______ in 1996.
4. Tiger’s real name is ______.
7. Tiger studies ______ of past
games.
8. Tiger had a torn ______ ligament.
9. Tiger first showed a talent for golf
at six ______ old.
10. Tiger’s ______ gave him his
nickname.
Research:Find golf in an encyclopedia. What are the major golf tournaments?
What does it mean to get a Grand Slam?
Famous Male Sports Stars
28
©Remedia Publications
Name_______________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
©Remedia Publications
29
Famous Male Sports Stars
Answer Key
PG 2
David Beckham
1) 20 years 2) London, England 3) in 1999 when
he married Victoria “Posh” Adams 4) Bend it Like
Beckham 5) to promote soccer 6) He was the
captain of the English national team. 7) accurate
passes and curling free kicks 8) in a mansion called
“Beckingham Palace” 9) midfield
PG 4
Brett Favre
1) Brett Favre was once voted the Toughest Athlete in
Sports. 2) Brett played with the Green Bay Packers
for 16 years. 3) Brett plays quarterback. 4) The Brett
Favre Fourward Foundation raises money for needy
children. 5) Brett now plays for the New York Jets.
6) Brett is respected for giving credit to his team and
his toughness. Research: 1983-2000, Miami Dolphins
PG 6
Roger Federer
improve – to make better, prestigious – having
a high reputation, devastated – brought to ruin,
tsunami – a huge seawave caused by an underwater
earthquake or volcanic eruption
1) c 2) a 3) c 4) a 5) b 6) c
Research: major tennis tournaments – Wimbledon,
French Championships, U.S. Championships,
Australian Championships; Grand Slam – win all four
major tournaments
5) desire 8) five Research: around the 13th century
– the Netherlands
PG 18 Shaquille O’Neal
1) true 2) false 3) true 4) true 5) false 6) true
7) true 8) false 9) true HACK-A-SHAQ
Research: James Naismith, 1891
PG 20Michael Phelps
individual – one person, example – something
that serves as a pattern to follow, training – making
ready for a test of skill or strength, dedication – to do
something with a goal in mind 1) a 2) c 3) b
4) c 5) a 6) b Research: Mark Spitz – 100 and
200-meter freestyle, 100 and 200-meter butterfly,
400 and 800-meter freestyle relay, and 400-meter
medley relay
PG 22Albert Pujols
1) January 16, 1980 – Dominican Republic 2) St.
Louis Cardinals, first base 3) 450 4) National League
Rookie of the Year Award 5) hit over 30 home runs
and 100 RBIs every season for 8 years 6) hit a grand
slam, had an unassisted triple play 7) seven 8) when
he was 16 9) The Pujols Family Foundation 10)
children with Down syndrome, needy families in the
Dominican Republic Research: abnormal number of
chromosomes – 47 instead of 46
PG 8Ken Griffey, Jr.
1) White Sox 2) 1989 3) hitting 4) video games
5) outfield 6) 13 7) family 8) nine Research: Barry
Bonds, 762
PG 24Alex Rodriguez
1) b 2) c 3) a 4) a 5) c 6) b 7) c 8) a 9) b
10) c Research: most consecutive games played,
Lou Gehrig
PG 10Tony Hawk
1) skateboarding 2) 900 3) 16 4) clothing 5) Stale
Fish 6) extreme 7) 2½ 8) nine 9) California 10) 73
Research: 1950s/1960s, surfing
PG 26 Dwyane Wade
Crossed out sentences: Dwyane even does
commercials with Michael Jordan! Dwyane makes it
a point to spend time with his two pit bulls. Dwyane
graduated from Marquette University. Winning NBA
championships is what makes Dwyane truly happy.
Sentences written in order: Dwyane Wade set
himself as a rising superstar in the 2004 NBA playoffs.
Dwyane is known for his speed and scoring ability.
Dwyane’s playing has earned him a championship
with the Heat. That is why he started the Wade’s
World Foundation. Research: 1984-2000;
Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets
PG 12Michael Jordan
1) c 2) a 3) b 4) c 5) b 6) c 7) a 8) a 9) b 10) a
Research: 1993, 1999, 2000; golf
PG 14 Peyton Manning
1) Indianapolis Colts, quarterback 2) Peyton’s brother
who plays quarterback for the New York Giants
3) Peyton’s father was a star quarterback in the NFL,
and Peyton’s brother plays quarterback for the New
York Giants. 4) His father’s help and support.
5) University of Tennessee 6) No. 1 7) throwing 4,000
or more yards for the most number of years in a row
8) 2006 9) reading through his playbook and going
over game tapes 10) They see where it’s gotten him,
and they know that it will get him where he wants to
go. Research: New Orleans Saints
PG 28Tiger Woods
Across: 1) pro 4) Eldrick 7) videos 8) knee
9) months 10) dad Down: 2) Rookie 3) Player
5) California 6) grand slam Research: major golf
tournaments – Masters, U.S. Open, British Open,
United States PGA Championship; Grand Slam – win
all four major tournaments
pg 16Apolo Anton Ohno
Across: 2) first 4) World Cup 6) TV 7) skater
9) serious Down: 1) Washington 2) future 3) top
Famous Male Sports Stars
30
©Remedia Publications
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