Russian plea

Press, 9 June 1980, Page 3

Russian plea

- David Rigert, the Russian weight-lifter who competed in the New Zealand Games in Christchurch in 1975, has written to “The Press.” He says:

“I have learnt with great disappointment that some New Zealand sports federations, including the weightlifters, have decided not to send their sportsmen to Moscow.

“When I took part in the competitions in New Zealand in 1975 the meetings with the New Zealand athletes produced a most favourable impression on me. Together with other Soviet sportsmen. I recall with pleasure our honest competition with the worthy rivals, the Kiwis, their . . . truly Olympic enthusiasm and the time which we spent so pleasantly in hospitable Christchurch.

“The New Zealanders now have a realistic opportunity to show what they have achieved and to vie for Olympic honours with athletes from more than 80 countries which have al-

readv declared their participation in the 1980 Olympics. We also deeply respect the courageous decision of the Olympic association of New Zealand to go to the Games despite the obtrusive calls for bovcott . . . this firm-

ness and allegiance to the purity of the Olympic principles deserve a symbolic Olympic medal. “I am convinced that the present anti-Olympic campaign does not reflect the true feelings and mood of the New Zealand athletes . . .

Why do the people who have repeatedly declared their concern over, human rights even in other countries keep silence now when attempts are being made to denriye their citizens of the right to take part in the Olympic Games . . .? “. . . I believe that to oppose those who would like to destroy the Olympic movement for the sake of the Cold War policy it is necessary to still more strengthen the world-wide unity of sportsmen for the benefit of peace on Earth..