Racialism Issue In Games Bid Vote

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32352, 18 July 1970, Page 14

Racialism Issue In Games Bid Vote

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) EDINBURGH. The meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation tomorrow is threatening to become the most explosive in the organisation’s 40year history.

It was reported last night that Mr Abraham Ordia, president of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa, will try to put aside the vote on the venue for the 1974 Commonwealth Games until a number of “racial” matters on the agenda have been debated. New Zealand, United Kingdom countries, and Australia are expected to resist the move and the extent of support for Mr Ordia is not clear. It is evident, however, that Christchurch representatives promoting the city’s bid to hold the 1974 Games are concerned at the Nigerian official’s efforts. May Lose Support They are confident at present of securing a clear majority for Christchurch when the vote is taken at the meeting, but they fear that a potentially “emotional” debate before the decision is made my lose them some support. One of the resolutions to be discussed names New Zealand and England as encouraging apartheid by maintaining sporting relationships with South Africa. Both England and New

Zealand will endeavour to have the wording of the resolution changed.