Olympic Appeal

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27990, 9 June 1956, Page 8

Olympic Appeal

The holding of the Olympic Games in Melbourne this year gives New Zealand the opportunity to be represented by a much larger team than usual. When athletes have to go to the other side of the world a small country cannot afford a large representation, so the rare chance of being able to send a greater proportion of men and women of international standard across the Tasman is too good to be missed. The ability and behaviour of the New Zealand team will have a national value, even a commercial value as good advertising and good public relations, quite apart from a contribution to better international understanding. But most New Zealanders are interested in outdoor sports for their own sake, and not because of incidental advantages. That is why Canterbury people should support the Canterbury Olympic Games Appeal Fund’s campaign' for raising the province’s quota of £3150. It would be contrary to the spirit of sport, as it is understood in New Zealand, if the Government, say. paid the whole cost of sending a team to Melbourne. The chosen athletes will represent first the healthy physical recreations that they share with many thousands of colleagues. Their selection will in some measure be a recognition of their own contribution to sport; and their performances will further encourage boys and girls to play games of their own free will when they leave school. Contributors to the fund will share in this service by helping to send a good team and by showing that amateur sport is an activity they are prepared to support voluntarily.