For many people in the U.S., sports are not just for fun. They are almost a religion. Thousands of sports fans buy expensive tickets to watch their favorite teams and athletes play in 1. Other fans watch the games at home, not leaving their TV sets a minute. The most 2sports fans never miss a game. Many a wife becomes a "sports widow" during her husband's favorite season. America's devotion to athletics has created a new class of 3people: professional athletes. Sports stars often receive million-dollar salaries. Some even make big money appearing in 4for soft drinks, shoes and so on. Not all Americans 5sports, but athletics are an important part of their culture. Throughout their school life, Americans learn to play many sports. All students take physical education classes in school. Athletic events at universities attract many fans and 6the whole community. Many people also enjoy non-competitive 7like hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping or hunting. To communicate with American, it helps if you can talk sports. Sports in America represent the international 8of the people who play. Many sports were 9from other countries. European immigrants (移民) brought tennis, golf, bowling and boxing to America. Football and baseball came from other Old World games. Only basketball has a truly American origin. Even today some 10"foreign" sports like soccer are gaining American fans. In 1994 the U.S. hosted the World Cup for the first time ever. A. wealthy B. benefit C. duration D. constant E. imported F. activities G. devoted H. necessarily I. worship J. person K. comprised L. advertisements M. heritage N. sufficient O. formerly