Every year at the end of winter Russian people and several other neighboring nations celebrate the Defender of the Fatherland Day. This holiday falls on February 23rd and has special meaning. It was first celebrated in the first half of the 20th century as the day of Red Army. Today, it’s commonly known as the father’s or all men’s day. On this occasion women across Russia and some former Soviet republics prepare small but hearty presents for their fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, boyfriends and simply male friends. Apart from presents they can buy postcards or flowers for them. It is especially appreciated when little girls prepare some handmade stuff for their fathers or brothers. Such small but valuable presents are always cherished. The Defender of the Fatherland Day is observed countrywide. You can see the public concerts, parades, festivals and other topical performances nearly in every large and small city. Children and adults participate in such events to keep their fathers happy and to set a festive mood. The military and veterans are especially honored on this day. As well as the 8th of March, February 23rd is the public holiday in Russia. Offices and schools don’t work, so it’s normal to congratulate male colleagues and classmates a day before or after the actual holiday. Most companies collect a certain amount of money to buy some presents for male employees. Female workers sometimes set a festive table with wine and snacks for their colleagues and together they celebrate the event. Although February 23rd originated as the day of people who serve or used to serve in the army, today even little boys receive presents and congratulations. In the course of time the holiday became better known as Men’s Day.
I am really fond of sport. I especially like tennis, swimming, skiing, basketball, and figure-skating. However, my favourite type of sport is football. I like both playing and watching it. Football is played in many countries, so I support foreign teams as well as the domestic ones. I know many great players of football. Among them, Maradona, Zidan, Arshavin, Totti, Maldini, Beckham, Cantona, Messi, Vieri, but most of all I like Ronaldo. I like the way he plays and behaves. He seems to be not only talented but also a strong-willed guy. His full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. I know people who don’t like this Portuguese-born footballer but I adore him. He is considered to be the most expensive footballer of all times. To transfer from “Manchester United” team to Spanish “Real” he was paid more than 83 million pounds. Ronaldo was born on February the 5th, 1985 in Madeira neighborhood. He was the youngest child in a family and his father named him after the American President Ronald Reagan. His career in football started rather early. At the age of eight he already played for the amateur team “Andorinha”. When he turned ten, he signed his first contract with the local club “Nacional”. Today, Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and he plays as a forward for the Spanish club “Real Madrid”. He is known to be mentally sharp, predicting certain plays, and having very good reactions. He was also the first player to win all main football awards. Apart from being a great player, Ronaldo often donates money and personal possessions to charity funds and people who are in need.
