KAPONGA SPORTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 27 April 1927, Page 6

KAPONGA SPORTS.

TO-MORROW ’S BIG PROGRAMME. The seventh annual meeting of the Ivaponga Sports Club on A r ictoria Park promises a rare treat for lovers of athletics. This club lias always offered special inducements to secure the attendance of leading athletes, not only of the district, but from beyond the confines of the province, and this year’s effort is no exception to the rule. In addition to high cash values offered, the majority of events also carry gold medals presented by Messrs W. Marr, G. Bell, J. J. Davison, J. F. Ryan, J. Charters, J. Ilessell, J. Brisco, P. F. Hammonds (3), 11. H. Henderson and the club. A very old athletic institution (which never failed to provoke spirited competition) in the form of a points prize for the 100yds, 220yds and 440yds foot races, has been revived. Mr S. Lissaman has presented a handsome gold medal, valued at three guineas, for the winner. A silver challenge cup, presented by Mr. D. P. F. Malone, goes to the rider who compiles most points in the half-mile, mile, two miles and three miles cycle events, for which exceptionally large fields are entered. Ci Parker, the Dominion’s accredited champion sprint rider, of Christchurch, and S. McCann. New Plymouth, are included in the entrants, so these events should be brimful of interest to spectators. Seventy-two competitors have nominated in handicap contests (34 runners and 38 cyclists). The following table of nominations will convey an idea of the popularity of Kaponga’s gala day: Foot races—ioOyds, 20; 220yds 22; 440 yds, 20; SSOyds, 13; one mile, nine. Cycle races—Half-mile, 20; one mile, 20; two miles, 15; three miles, 14. The club has provided for youthful contestants —the athletes of the future. Two cycle and two foot handicap races for competitors under 17 years have been included in the programme and have filled well, 17 and 16 engaging in the mile and mile-and-a--lialf cycle events respectively, and eight in each of the foot races (100yds and 220yds). All arrangements are complete, and given fine weather an enjoyable outing is assured to patrons.