Oral Presentation on Sport

Hi, I’m ............ and my topic is Anzac Day and whether or not sport should be played on Anzac Day. I believe that sport should be played on Anzac Day, as it rejuvenates our attention and interest in the day. Many different sports play special matches every year on the 25th of April to commemorate Anzac Day. The AFL holds an Anzac Day clash, which Essendon and Collingwood have played in every year since 1995. The NRL holds two Anzac Day clashes, one game between St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters, which has been played every year since 2002, and the other between Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors, which has been played every year since 2009. All of these matches have huge audience numbers, for example the 2012 AFL Anzac Day clash at the MCG had an almost capacity crowd of 86,932, as well as 1.7 million people watching the game on TV. The large interest in these games proves that the games are great spectacles, and that many people like the idea of sport on Anzac Day. Having sport played on Anzac Day also adds to our understanding of the history of the Anzacs and past wars. It can also be argued that these games are a symbol of the freedom we enjoy as a result of the sacrifices of those who have served for our country. The Anzac Day games also help to show respect for the Anzacs, with a lap of honour of past and present war veterans, the playing of the last post, minutes silence and the singing of the national anthem. For many people going to an Anzac Day game is their way of showing respect to the Anzacs. As well, quite a large percentage of the money made from the gate takings and other things is donated to the RSL. As all shops and other places are open on Anzac Day after 1.00pm, why can’t sport be played? Anzac Day is a day of remembrance, not a sacred and religious day like Good Friday when nothing is allowed to be open. I think that these games are a great tribute to the Anzacs, and therefore should be continued to be played into the