Games go-ahead

Press, 12 July 1980, Page 1

Games go-ahead

PA Wellington A New Zealand Games — a series of major international sports events — will be held this summer. The Games, which could ■ involve as many as nine sports, would be staged at various centres in late January and February, the Minister, of’Recreation and Sport (Mr Highet) announced last evening. The New’ Zealand Games organising committee would act as the co-ordinating body, he said. ‘

A statement from the Minister’s office listed boxing, cycling, judo, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling as sports which had

welcomed the committee’s co-ordinating role. Mr Highet said the New Zealand Games would also incorporate the previously proposed Invitation Games. He said he had received a request for substantial financial assistance from the proposers of the Invitational Games and a request fdr .further financial assistance from the organisers of the Pacific Conference Games. If present negotiations were completed successfully, the Games could also incorporate the Pacific Conference track and field Games, said the Minister. Mr Highet said a committee headed by Sir Ron-

aid Scott had held extensive discussions with the New. Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.

This, it w T as hoped, would lead to the inclusion of the four-yearly Pacific Conference Games due to be held in the same period. The Pacific Games includes Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand. The Pacific Games’ permanent committee will consider the matter at its meeting in London next week.

Mr Highet said the organising committee would co-ordinate all financial and non-sports activities such as accommodation, travel, printing, and publicity.