THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 12

THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

THE GAME NGT THE PRIZE AN INSPIRATION TO YOUTH That it was the game and not tha , prise which counted at the Olympiads, which were an inspiration to the youth of the world, and gave them something to strive for, was a point which was stressed by Mr H. A. Bennett, a mem- , her of the Olympic Selection Commit- ■ te, at the send-off given, by A. G, Healing Ltd. at the Cafe Francais, Melbourne, to the cyclists, Chris. Wheeler and Tas. Johnson, before their departure for the Olympic Games at Berlin (says the * Sporting Globe ’) • “ It was my good fortune to manage the Australian team at the 1920 Olympic Games at Antwerp, and I can assure you it is a most enthralling scene to witness the impressive opening with the flower of the world’s youth engaged in friendly battles for supremacy,” said Mr Bennett.

“ To represent one’s country at the Games is a distinct honour. We can’t all win—victory is sweet—while we must not overlook the fact that the ideal of the Olympic Games is to compete rather than to win.” Mr Bennett went on to say that while he did not personally know Wheeler and Johnson before the selectors met he felt convinced that they had distinct ability., Their claims had been strongly advocated by Mr Herb. Maxwell, a member of the Selection Committee. ■

From what he (knew of these young cyclists they were not likely to squeal if victory did not some their way. “There is .nothing so bad as' a ‘ squealer ’ in any branch of sport, but you will find that a wonderful spirit prevails at the Olympic Games, either in victory or defeat,’’ concluded Mr Bennett. Another selector in Mr E. Kenny said that he and his colleagues appreciated the remarks of Mr Norman Broomhall (managing director of A. G. Healing), who paid a tribute to the marked enthusiasm of amateur officials who gave so much of their time and talents towards the promotion of “ clean ” sport. “ You will find that a man who has seriously engaged in competitive sport in his youth feels that he has a duty to perform—that of encouraging the youth of the country to become good sportsmen and good citizens, and to always play the game,” said Mr Kenny. “ Ambition is an asset in life—be it in the sporting arena, in business, or otherwise. The Olympic Games provide a great incentive to the youth of the world because of the desire to represent their country one day in this great gathering. “ The lessons to be learned from the Games are manifold, and I know that every member of the team will return home greatly benefited by his experience in meeting the world’s best. “There are thousands of cyclists in the world. Only a limited few can take part in the Games, and Wheeler and Johnson, along with Gray.-are very fortunate to be competing in that selectfield. 1 know that they will give of their best, and let us hope that they will return home covered with victory,” concluded Mr Kenny.