LESSONS IN GAMES

Evening Star, Issue 22804, 12 November 1937, Page 4

LESSONS IN GAMES

A GERM IN ENGLAND The freedom of English parks and open spaces, the enthusiasm or English sportsmen 11 over 40,” and the national genius for organised games these aio among the favourable impressions that Herr von Tschammer uud Ostcn, Germany’s official sports leader, carried away with him from Britain when he left for Germany, said the Daily Telegraph.’ He completed a 10-day inspection of Britain’s athletic and sporting activities. During his visit ho has exchanged views with British sportsmen on the physical education and the recreation of young people in Great Britain and Germany. ._ . , Herr von Tschammer und listen has seen athletics at the White City, lawn tennis at Wimbledon, cricket at Lord s as well as in the public parks, swimming contests, camp life at Aldershot, and games and drill at an East End boys’ club. _ , . What has greatly impressed him is the way in which free access to parks and open spaces is given to amateur sportsmen. The German “ Verboten ” which warns the public against treading on the grass in public spaces mav soon disappear as a result of the German sports leader’s visit to Loudon Parks. “ When I return to Germany.’ he stated, “ I shall ask the authorities to throw open their parks in the towns and cities so that young people may plav freely on them as they do here. “It is quite wonderful to see perhaps twenty cricket matches going on in your great spaces, with no one to tell' the children what to do. In Germany tho people in the parks must wallc—so, and look at the beautiful trees —so.” The enthusiasm of men and women of 40 and over for the sports they have actively followed in their youth, and their eagerness to help children and young people to enjoy games, has also created a profound impression on tho German sports leader. “I was most interested,” he said “ to see elderly men and women directing with wonderful enthusiasm the sporting activities of young people in various social and athletic clubs. “ You English remain sportsmen throughout your lives, and T even noticed middle-aged pcoule playing games themselves. In Germany we take onr exercise very seriously, and then perhaps suddenly give it up and get very fat,’^