VOA慢速英语-1.doc

VOA慢速英语:The World Cheers 33 Miners Rescued in ChileThis is IN THE NEWS in VOA Special English. (SOUND) Rescue workers at the San Jose gold and copper mine in northern Chile had reason to sing this week. A small hole drilled into the earth became a passage to freedom for thirty-three trapped miners. They spent sixty-nine days underground. Never have people been trapped for so long so deeply, says a doctor at NASA, the American space agency, which helped in the rescue. But the chief medical officer for the miners said most are in good enough health to leave the hospital within a day or so. The first three were released from the hospital Thursday night. For much of the day the miners relaxed with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. The thirty-two Chileans and one Bolivian still wore special sunglasses to protect their eyes. A partial mine collapse on August fifth trapped them more than half a kilometer underground. They had to stretch a two-day food supply. For two weeks no one knew if they were alive or dead. Later, they received supplies and a video link lowered through drill holes. That link was how Ariel Ticona watched his wife give birth to their daughter. The miners have apparently agreed to share the money they earn from selling their story. They have already received gifts of money and travel offers. Edison Pena has been invited to the New York City Marathon and to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Pena described how he ran in the mine tunnels to ease the stress. And he led the miners in singing Elvis songs. Mario Sepulveda was the second miner rescued The first miner rescued on Wednesday was Florencio Avalos. The second was Mario Sepulveda, who talked about how the experience tested his faith. MARIO SEPULVEDA (TRANSLATED): I was with God and I was with the devil, they fought me, but God won. He took me by my best hand, the hand of God. The last miner up was Luis Urzua. He was the shift leader when his crew became trapped. Resc