Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 25 to 29. Fill in the appropriate word in question 27

SPORTS IN SOCIETY

  The position of sport in today's society has changed out of all recognition. People no longer seem to think of sports as ‘just a game’ - to be watched or played for the (25) _________ of enjoyment.

Instead, it has become big business worldwide. It has become accepted practice for leading companies to provide sponsorship. TV companies pay large sums of money to screen important matches or competitions. The result has been huge rewards for athletes, some of (26) _________ are now very wealthy, particularly top footballers, golfers and tennis players.

  (27) _________, it is not unusual for some athletes to receive large fees on top of their salary, for advertising products or making personal appearances.

  A trend towards shorter working hours means that people generally tend to have more free time, both to watch and to take in sporting activity; sport has become a significant part of the recreation industry that we now rely (28) _________ to fill our leisure hours. Professional sport is a vital part of that industry, providing for millions of (29) _________ people all over the world.