RUSH TIME FOR ATHLETES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30055, 13 February 1963, Page 11

RUSH TIME FOR ATHLETES

QOME Canterbury athletes will have a rush time at the end of this week when they are committed to compete at two major meetings Ten Canterbury athletes have been granted permission by the Canterbury Centre. New Zealand Amateur Atnletic Association, to compete in the Royal meeting at Dunedin on Friday This meeting will be followed on the Saturday, morning and afternoon, by

the final meeting of the Canterbury championships When permission was granted for the Canterbury competitors to compete at the Royal meeting the possible clash with the provincial meeting was rightly pointed out to the athletes, who stood to los° the chance of titles if they were unable to get back in time Through the Otago centre the athletes concerned have made arrangements for an early return flight but un-

favourable weather could still prevent their arriving in time for their events at Rugby park. Those granted permission to compete ait Dunedin are in line for selection for the Canterbury senior men’s and women’s teams, who will compete at the New Zealand championships on the Caledonian all-weather track a fortnight later. The opportunity of competing at the Royal meeting this week will give the athletes experience of the Grasstex

surface, which should stand them in good stead for the national events. All events on the national programme will be held at the main stadium, according to advice from the Otago centre. The main track is a full 440 yards with seven lanes and 95 yard straights. The 100 yards and 120 yards hurdles tracks incorporate one of the straights. Sprinters will miss using the starting blocks to which they are accustomed as the only ones permitted on the track are adjustable models supplied by the Otago centre.

The jumps will be made from a Grasstex surface and the throwing events, with the exception of the javelin, from concrete surfaces. A grass run-up will be used for the javelin. Spikes recommended for the Grasstex surfaces range in length from an eighth of an inch to a quarter inch.