Black nations enter Brisbane games

Press, 27 May 1981, Page 31

Black nations enter Brisbane games

NZPA Brisbane At least two black African nations, Kenya and Zimbabwe, will compete in Brisbane’s mini-games this year. They are among the 13 overseas countries to accept invitations to send teams in October as Brisbane gears itself for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, still 17 months away.

More than 1100 top overseas ana Australian athletes and officials will converge on Brisbane in October in a big test of Commonwealth Games facilities.

The mini-games, over three days, will see stars from nine of the 10 Commonwealth Games sports in action from October 2-4.

Officials are staggered by this early response, and say that acceptance by the two black Afrfican nations has helped dispel fears of a boycott of next year's big event. interest in the mini-games is developing with invitations to nonCommonwealth countries to send teams. Indications are that the United States. West Germany, Japan and Poland will have international stars in action.

“Accommodation will be the main problem, but all sports vanues will be complete and this is a great chance to give them, and the many officials, a trial run,’’ said an organiser. The Federal Government is providing $200,000 towards the cost of the October meeting, and Queensland’s 5.G.1.0. Building Society is also an important backer.