U.S. May Send Six Swimmers To N.Z.

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31379, 26 May 1967, Page 13

U.S. May Send Six Swimmers To N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. A team of six American swimmers may tour New Zealand next summer and compete at the national championships.

Some of New Zealand’s leading swimmers may also tour with the Americans, competing in several cities before the national championships are held in New Plymouth.

The chairman of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association (Mr A. J. Donaldson) said yesterday that the American Swimming Union was interested in having its swimmers make a second tour of New Zealand. A team of six American girls toured the Dominion in 1966. The Americans were the first of three countries to reply to an invitation to tour New Zealand. Replies have not been received from Canada or Japan. Mr Donaldson said it was not known whether the American team would be all male, all female, or mixed. With a mixed team the cost factor would come into it, said

Mr Donaldson. The team would then have to bring a manager and a chaperone. Although final plans have not been discussed, he said, it was generally felt that the touring team would compete at meetings at all centres and then compete at the national championships.

At the moment, Mr Donaldson said, the N.ZA.AA. had £2OOO-£3OOO to spend on the tour.

The Americans, Mr Donaldson said, were very keen to make another tour of New Zealand.

“They enjoyed their last tour and this has meant they were keen to come again,” he added. The N.Z.A.A.A. will not ask for any specific swimmers until after the strength of New Zealand competitors has been ascertained early this summer.