VOA慢速英语:Neftalie Williams: Skateboarding Is a 'Tool for Cultural Diplomacy'

tune out – phrasal verb to stop paying attention to what other people are doing or saying
amateur sponsor - n. the provision of merchandise nad equipment and sometimes monetary payments to a skateboarder who has made specific time and effort commitments to a sponsor

context – n. the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning

counselor – n. a person who provides advice as a job

lecturer – n. someone who teaches at a college or university on a temporary basis

engage – v. to get and keep someone’s attention, interest

gender – n. the state of being male or female

foray - n. an attempt to do something especially for the first time

inroad – n. used to describe a situation in which someone or something becomes more successful or important

academic – n. a person who is a teach in a college or university

granted – v. to agree to do, give or allow something asked for or hoped for

amazing – adj. causing great surprise or wonder

populace - n. the people who live in a country or area

elite – n. the people who have the most wealth and status in society

envoy – n. a person who is sent by the government to represent it in dealing with another government

people-to-people - adj. having or showing strong emotions or beliefs

blueprint - n. a detail plan of how to do something

foster – n. to help something grow or develop

facility – n. something such as a building or large piece of equipment that is built for a specific purpose

disparity- n. a noticeable and often unfair difference between people or things

embargo – n. a government order that limits trade in some way

obstacles – n. something that makes it difficult to do something

access – n. a way of getting near, at or to something or someone

persevere – v. to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult

inherent – adj. belonging to the basic nature of someone or something

expensive – adj. costing a lot of money

ensure – v. to make something sure, certain or safe