RUSSIANS IN MELBOURNE

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28128, 17 November 1956, Page 12

RUSSIANS IN MELBOURNE

U.S. Athletes At Vodka Party

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) MELBOURNE. Nov. 16. Soviet athletes and officials took time off from training today to pay tribute to the United States and Australian teams. About 60 Soviet athletes and officials marched down to where Australian athletes were lined up in front of the Australian flog in Beaurepaire street, Olympic Village, and gifts were exchanged between the two teams. Mr M. Pesliak, vice-president of the Soviet Olympic Committee, invited Australians to compete in Russia any time. He praised the Australian Olympic preparations and said that he hoped friendships made between the two teams would result in better relations between the two countries. The Russians later entertained the Americans at a vodka party. Mr Dan Ferris, secretary of the American Athletic Union, told the Russians: “We believe sport is the best way to create friendship between our two countries and are looking forward to regular competitions.”

Mr Konstantine Kruppin, chairman of the Russian athletic section, said: “This is a very good proposal. You will be our honoured guests. Moscow will be delighted to see you.” He called repeatedly for a toast to “our meeting in Moscow next year.”