Speculated, rumored or actual use of steroids by athletes is a popular topic of news and discussion. You can choose to write your speech on whether athletes should have to submit to regular mandatory steroid screenings. Or, you can choose to speak about whether certain athletes, such as baseball players or bodybuilders, are more likely to abuse steroids.
For many sports, the rules prohibit athletes from gambling on their own particular sport, or at all. You can base your speech on this topic in a variety of ways, such as whether this ban is appropriate. Some speechwriters might argue that an athlete might play better if she bet on the game. Others could argue that it would give players incentive to lose to collect winnings they make by betting against their team or themselves.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) reports that, after an eight-year study, 13,000 people who walked for 30 minutes every day were less likely to die prematurely than those who did not walk. ACE says that a regular walking program usually resulted in lower blood pressure and more bone density. Even with physical education requirements in schools, few children receive these health benefits. You could argue that increased requirements are needed to combat the childhood obesity issue in the United States. You could also speak out against requirements, stating it is the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children.
Some people call activities a sport, even though the general public does not feel they meet the definition. You can argue for or against an activity's being called a sport, from tae bo, Pilates to poker, boxing and bungee jumping. You can also choose to discuss what qualifications you believe an activity should have to meet to consider it a sport.