THE OLYMPIC GAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21248, 30 July 1932, Page 8

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Some two thousand athletes, drawn from about fifty countries, are gathered at Los Angeles for the tenth Olympiad, the world's greatest series of physical contests. The programme comprises a large variety of athletic events calling for individual prowess and team spirit, for it provides scope for international competition in almost all such recreative pastimes as are not served by special arrangements limited to particular sports. Track and field athletics, cycling, swimming, gymnastics. equestrian sports, rowing, yachting, fencing, shooting, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, hockey, a national demonstration of American football by representatives of six leading universities, and an international demonstration of lacrosse — these and other events will attract the interest of all the world. The idea, modern in this worldwide aspect and revived as recently as 1806, dates far back—to the time when the first Olympic Games were instituted in Greece; and fittingly the modern revival took place at Athens. Now not even "the fairest spot of Greece," as Lysias called Olympia, can claim a unique right, however; from country to country, every fourth year, the festival migrates. It demonstrates a wider fellowship than the Hellenic world ever glimpsed, and in this is a remarkable product of our age. The fraternity has not always been fully realised, alas ; but the ideal is excellent, and there is no good reason why the competitive aim should be spoiled by petty jealousies. These will pass, and leave an institution of broadly human service, if due care be taken. There have been preparations this year on a lavish scale, in token of confidence in a wide response to the Los Angeles invitation, and the outlook for the contests is promising. Here in New Zealand will be keen interest, and the fortunes of the Dominion's representatives will be closely watched. They have been assured of their own country's good wishes, and it expects them to do well.