Part 2

Courtney: Right.

Okay, now, basketball is also happening right now, in terms of finals and the best playing the best. Now, basketball is largely a sport that is played in the United States. Why is that? Can you tell me why that is? Why are there no big Canadian teams or big European teams in basketball?

Michael: Well, the rest of the world seems to be obsessed with soccer.

Courtney: That's right. Soccer's the biggest global sport there is, it seems. Michael: Canada seems to be obsessed with hockey, and America is a big enough nation, with a large enough population, that it's able to support its own professional league without having to depend on it expanding into other countries, like Canada, or more far-fetched, into Europe. Although having said that, it is true that Canada currently has one professional basketball franchise. Earlier it had two, but unfortunately the Vancouver Grizzlies moved off to Memphis. Memphis, Tennessee.

Courtney: Right.

Michael: Basketball, however, does exist on a grass-roots level in Canada. It's an integral part of all high school sports programs, as well as at the university and college level, and to a lesser degree it also exists within our community. At the same time, the point you're making that America is much more involved than Canada in the world of basketball is true. Courtney: Okay. Now, soccer, as we mentioned before, is probably, arguably the most-played sport in the world. Why do you think that is? There have been many suggestions why that is-it's an easy sport to play, low budget, you have a ball and people with legs to kick the ball. But why is it so popular on every continent of the world?

Michael: Wow. I hope you know as you ask me this stuff I can only speculate as to the reasons why soccer is the most important. I am by no means the expert on this sort of subject.

Courtney: No, of course. Yeah, it's just your personal opinion I'm after. Michael: It certainly does seem to appeal to the world on a huge scale. Why that is, I don't really know. It seems to interest people's passions. It seems like a very passionate sport.

Courtney: Mm-hmm. And it's really the only sport where there is a global rivalry always happening, countries versus countries. Michael: It's true, the World Cup is quite an event. There is no other event that parallels the World Cup.

Courtney: No, and it's with the sport of soccer. Interesting. Well, let's move on to other topics of interest. Thank you for discussing this with me.

Michael: All right, thanks.