YO-YOS ROUND THE WORLD

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32703, 4 September 1971, Page 1

YO-YOS ROUND THE WORLD

The last overseas professional yo-yo champion to perform in New Zealand did so in the witness box of the Supreme Court in Christchurch about 10 years ago to an interested audience consisting of Mr Justice Adams (now Sir Francis Adams) and counsel in a civil action revolving round the quality of thousands of yo-yos. Yesterday, five professional yo-yoers arrived in Christchurch and , demonstrated their skills before starting a three-month tour of New Zealand to teach a new generation of children the "eight basic tricks” of yo-yoing. . Three young women and two men nonchalantly twirled their yp-yos, one in each hand, in unison—the intricate, weaving patterns resembling the Maori skill with the poi. Their yo-yos glittered and sparkled in the sunshine, as did their splendid national costumes—Mexican, Japanese and Columbian. "It is all in the rhythm: you must not rush it—be gentle, be smooth," said the

pretty, 21-year-old Miss Elvira Leno, of Mexico, while coaching a clumsy reporter In a long-forgotten pursuit of his childhood. “It’s good for you; it relaxes you—it teaches you tolerance and patience,” said Miss Leno, who has been twirling a yo-yo since she was 12. Her skill, and the Coca-Cola Corporation, have enabled her to travel widely in the four years she has been a professional. The corporation paid for. her tuition in drawing at a Parisian art school. The corporation and its agencies in New Zealand will promote soft drinks in New Zealand, while teaching children the "eight basic tricks” with the yoyo and encouraging them to learn a formidable list of superior skills. The best will win “fabulous prizes” in area finals and, perhaps, the very best may be later invited to join the team of touring professionals because there is no New Zealander in the team yet. Some 200,000 plastic “championship" yo-yos have been manufactured by

a Hamilton firm for the New Zealand promotion. The five champions, shown demonstrating “walking the dog” are (from left): Mr Salvador Valdes and Miss Leno, of Mexico; Misses Misuso Mural and Atsuko ' Terahara, of Japan, and Ivan Trujillo, of Colombia.