N.Z.’s ousting from Games S.A.N.R.O.C. objective

Press, 9 December 1981, Page 3

N.Z.’s ousting from Games S.A.N.R.O.C. objective

NZPA London The threat of a blacknation boycott of the Commonwealth Games at Brisbane remains in spite of the ’ cancellation of the Welsh ; Rugby Union tour of South Africa. ' j | The chairman of the Lon-don-based 1 South African Non-racial Olympic Committee (5.A.N.R.0.C.), Mr Sam Ramsamy, indicated this yesterday in commenting on the Welsh decision. S.A.N.R.O.C. was about to resume its campaign to oust New Zealand from the Games at Brisbane because of the South African tour this year, Mr Ramsamy said. If New Zealand did take part, a boycott by Africa, Asian, and Caribbean nations was still likely. “But I am confident that New Zealand will be ex- ■ luded,” Mr Ramsamy said. The next step in the campaign would be a meeting in Mozambique, starting on January 19, of the Supreme Council of Sport in Africa, he said, under its. president, Dr Abraham Ordia, of Nigeria. A Commonwealth lobby group will be formed with the intention of having New Zealand excluded from the Games, and its decisions would be circulated among

the coloured nations of Asia and the Caribbean, according to Mr Ramsamy. He said- that no recent, contact had been made with the Commonwealth Games Federation. r "It is really nothing to do with the federation,” he said. “It will be a decision of a majority of. the members.” S.A.N.R.O.C. had been holding fire on its anti-apart-heid campaigning, pending the outcome of the New Zealand General Election and the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision announced yesterday. “We welcome the Welsh decision," Mr Ramsamy said. “It seems that at last they have seen the light, and realised what would have been the grave international repercussions for Welsh sport generally had the tour proceeded. “If the rugby tour had gone ahead, it would have further complicated the position about the Commonwealth Games. “But action against New Zealand is still to be pursued.” While he was confident that the black nations “had the numbers" to force New Zealand out. a boycott was likely should this not happen.