Bowlers defy U.K. Govt

Press, 2 March 1977, Page 6

Bowlers defy U.K. Govt

NZPA London; A South African team will, compete in the women’s; world championships in Eng-' land in May, in spite of the objections of the British Gov-; eminent, the organisers said: ! yesterday. Mrs Alice Ireland, the [spokeswoman for the English; [Women's Bowling Association. confirmed that five [one team official would come to the championships, which [will be held in the genteel south coast resort of Worthing. The British Minister of [ Sport (Mr Denis Howell) said I last week that the New’ Zea-land-based International

i[Women's Bowling Board was [embarrassing the British ;[organisers by insisting that [South Africa should compete. ■ In a letter to the New Zealand Citizens’ Association for II Racial Equality (C.A.R.E.), Mr Howell said: “No South ■ African teams are coming to Britain this year, whether to participate in rhe womens ■ world bowling championships ■ or any other sport, with anv official support whatsoever." I However, Mrs Ireland said • yesterday: “South Africa is| affiliated to the International; ' Women’s Bowling Board, and: i as such is entitled to compete." ; In Auckland, Mrs C. Hobbs. 1

; the vice-president of the i World Women’s Bowling Federation, said: “As tar as South . Africa is concerned, it has [complied with eveiything the International Women's Bowlzing Board could ask of it. i[ “Eighteen countries' are afi filiated to the hoard, and i South Africa is one of them . “As far as the board is con- , cerned. South Africa is eligible to compete in the ' world championships. I am I not insisting they compete in [the event, and have been misI; understood on that point II “It is now over to the host [country, England, to make a [decision on whether South Africa competes.”