Sir Ronald cautions Chch

Press, 14 August 1978, Page 1

Sir Ronald cautions Chch

The idea of Christchurch’s applying for the Commonwealth Games in 1990 has been received with “mixed feelings” by Sir Ronald Scott, who wais chairman of the Games Organising Committee when the Games were held in Christchurch four years ago. “It is a nice thought; they would make use of the same facilities. It would be possible to hold the Games in Christchurch again, but the concept requires a lot of thought,” he said. Sir Ronald, who is in Edmonton as a guest of the Commonwealth Games Foundation, admits it came as “something of a surprise.” to him to learn that Christchurch might be interested in holding the Games again. “It w’as a big drain on Christchurch’s resources. The

three main facilities — the stadium, the swimming venue, and the village — are in existance and there would be nothing like the expense there was last time. I don’t know . . .”

In many ways, he said, he would like to see Auckland or Wellington have the next Games. “I don’t think any city has held the Games twice before. However, it might not make sense to build a new stadium in Auckland

or Wellington." The suggestion of the Games in Christchurch in 1990 was made in Edmonton last week by the Mayor of Christchurch (Ir H. G. Hay). Scotland, which held the Games in Edinburgh in 1970, has given notice to the Commonwealth Games Federation that it will apply for the Games again in 1986. It is believed that it plans to make use of the same facilities as last time in Edinburgh, but that it is prepared to stand aside if other countries are serious about being host to the Games. Trinadad-Tobago and Northern Ireland have also

given notice of their intention to apply for the 1986 Games. Northern Ireland is, nevertheless, a doubtful starter. It does not jet have the support of the Northern Ireland Government, which is believed to be worried that such a big sporting occasion would be a target for bombers. There is also talk that Kenya might be interested, although it has given no formal notice of • this.

The decision on the venue for the 1986 Games will be made at a meeting of the federation at the Moscow Olympics in 1980.

Whether Christchurch will get another chance to

hold the Games will depend on the attitude of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association.

It would not he very difficult to set up the Games administration again, said Sir Ronald. The hard part world be getting a commitment from die thousands of volunteers necessary to run the Games successfully.

To get the right people, the same processes as last time would have to be repeated, he said. People of the right calibre would have to be approached. It would not work to elect people to key positions. “It would be too

risky; You would have people pulling this guy and that guy. To ensure that you get the right people, you have to select them.”

Would he be prepared to lead the organising team again? “I don’t know whether you can do these things twice. I moved out of the New Zealan 1 Games organisation because of this, ft is very doubtful if I would be involved in 1990. It is a long wav otf. The Games hate taken a lot of my time already. “I think it would hate to be a new team, but I would help if I was asked," said Sir Ronald.

F From in Edmonton