OLYMPIC GAMES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 98, 6 February 1936, Page 5

OLYMPIC GAMES

OPEN IN BERLIN TO-DAY.

GERMAN POLICY SUSPECT.

NON-PARTICIPATION URGED

United Press Association--Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, February 5. A correspondent of the “Sun-Hcr-ald” Service says that with the neai approach of the Olympic Games a •. on. troversy is growing in several countries whether they should be represented at Berlin in view of the suspicion that Germany, despite protests to *1 o contrary, is using the Games primarily for political purposes. The Oxford under-graduates’ journal “Isis,” has joined- those in objection to Britain’s participation. The “Isis ’ in a leading article, says: “Sport in new Germany, as Dr. Goebbels declared, is training for German soldiers and the prelude to a more serious contest on the battlefield. Pledges have been dishonoured. Sport has been subordinated to the needs of war and will be perverted to furthering political pniio sophy. Britain’s participation in tho Games at Berlin would be, acquiesenc© in. a breach of faith, in dragging down sport into the mire of politics. We must voice civilisation’s protest by refusing to take part. Meanwhile the Reich sports leader has nominated Rudi Ball, a Jewish icehockey star, in the German team, surprising and angering the Nazis. Ball’s inclusion was kept dark, the newspapers publishing the entry list without comment. It will be recalled that tho Englsoh and American delegates to the Olympic Congress obtained from Germans a promise that Jews would bo given an equal chance in the German team.

the opening ceremony. ECLIPSING ALL RECORDS. (Received This Day, 12.35 p.m.) BERLIN, February 5. To the accompaniment of booming of guns and pealing of bells, the hoisting of the Olympic Hag, the playing of the Olympic Anthem, and, the ignition of the Olympic fire, Herr Hitler will open the winter Olympic Games at Garmischpartenkirchen to-morrow in the presence of 50,000 spectators. The Games will eclipse all records, as 1593 competitors, representing 28 nations, will take part in 19 events.. The hotels are overflowing. Special trains and aeroplanes are arriving from all parts of Germany. Every se.it has been sold. The surrounding snow-covered bills will be covered with spectators. Greece will lead, and Germany will end, the opening parade. An Australian, L. J. McEvoy (captain, of the British bob-sled team) has been chosen to lead the British contingent. The guests include Dr. Goebbels, Princess Juliana, Prince Gustav of Sweden, -Princess SybiUe and Lord Aberdaro.