AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Grey River Argus, 9 February 1929, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

INVITATION TO AMERICANS. The question of tours by champion athletes from overseas has been under discussion for some weeks by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, .which realises the fact that the sport in the Dominion would be fostered more were such a tour made possible this season. Recently a conference was held at Wellington and Mr E. S. Marks, chairman of the *■ Australian Amateur Athletic Federation, stated every endeavour had been made to secure a visit from Dr. Otto Peltzer and R. Corts, but the German Federation of Allied Sports had been against the proposal, more because the International Federation’s rule permitted tours of no longer duration than 21 days. Since then, however, advice has been received by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association that the rule had been .misunderstood, as travelling time was not included in the 21 days. It is now proposed to invite next season three American athletes, Borah, Larmond and Kuck. It is possible, in spite o£ the short time that this select team of Americans will tour the Dominion, appearing, of course, at the principal centres. It is hoped the New Zealand Asoeiation will leave no stone unturned to arrange the tour, as amateur athletics badly need a. revival of interest, particularly in Auckland.