LETTER BOX

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31585, 24 January 1968, Page 11

LETTER BOX

CHILDREN'S ATHLETICS

Sir.—l congratulate your sports writer on his article in “The Press” headed “Disturbing Decline in Athletic Registrations.” Of particular interest to me were his statements, and I quote “any (sports) organisation which does not promote its interests at the lowest possible levels can expect a very bleak future.” He also said “officials at all levels must encourage young people to take up the sport, too. They must seek these people out and provide regular competition and facilities for them and the annual children’s representative fixture against Marlborough must pay handsome dividends in the future.” I was the instigator of the Marlborough-Canterbury fixture and, while attending the meeting in Christchurch last weekend, I was very impressed with the potential of the Canterbury children. The meeting, which, as far as I am aware, is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, always creates a tremendous amount of interest and enthusiasm. After seeing the wealth of young talent displayed on Rugby Park, and sharing in your enthusiasm for the sport, I cannot understand why Canterbury athletic administrators have not organised a centre children’s championships. Wellington has bad a centre championship meeting for children aged eight to 14 every year for the past 15 years. Auckland do the same.

Why not Canterbury? You owe it to these youngsters to provide a championship meeting this season, followed by other inter-provincial fixtures as your movement gains strength. You have so many promising young athletes. Give them the help they deserve. Yours, etc.. T. ROWELL, President, Marlborough Children's Athletic Club.