OLYMPIC GAMES

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 149, 21 December 1936, Page 15

OLYMPIC GAMES

SPIRIT AND IDEALS

N.Z. COMPETITORS

"In view of the very high standard of achievement at recent Olympic Games and the disabilities which athletes from New Zealand must necessarily face, it would seem to be a matter for very serious consideration whether the expense of sending athletes to these Games is justified,unless such athletes show performances of particularly outstanding merit," states the annual report of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. "It must be realised," the report continues, "that to win in New Zealand is a very different matter from winning or even securing a place in the final at the Olympic Games. On the other hand, it has been stated that 'the important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part.' This is no doubt true, provided the

Games faithfully uphold the true Olym-

pic tradition, and the spirit and ideals 'of Baron Pierre de Coubertih, the

, founder of the modern Games. There are not wanting, however, signs that "this spirit is being departed from. J. E.

Lovelock is not alone in deploring cerN tain tendencies that have recently been

;rrianifested. ".''Further, there is no doubt that an athlete taking part in the Games has an unrivalled opportunity of acquiring athletic knowledge and experience which can be of great value to his fellow athletes in New Zealand if properly made available to them. Whether or not this is done depends largely upon the Olympic athletes themselves, and it is to be hoped that' they will always recognise that they have a responsibility in this connection both to the association and to their, fellows." The report refers to the holding of the next British Empire Games in Sydney in 1938. Australia is contributing towards the travelling expenses of visiting teams, and will also billet the teams before, during,, and after the Games. In view of this, and in view also of the fact that the expense per man will in any event be comparatively small, it is stated that it is probable New Zealand will be represented by a larger athletic team than has ever yet left this'country.