EMPIRE ATHLETES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22955, 5 February 1938, Page 17

EMPIRE ATHLETES

OPENING PAGEANTRY PARADE OF COMPETITORS ENGLAND TO HEAD THE MARCH HUGE CROWDS IN SYDNEY (Received February 1, 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 4 The Empire Gaines which arc to commence to-morrow will bring a full Olympic atmosphere to Australia lor the first time. The city is overflowing; with visitors from all parts of the world. The weather is, fine but uncomfortably hot and lnimid. The Governor, Lord Wakehurst, sill review the GOO athletes, bearing the colours, emblems and standards of their countries, as they march around the Sydney Cricket Ground, where special running tracks have been formed and marked off. The competitors, many of whom are world record-holders, will tako the solemn oath of amateurism.

Trumpets will echo, pigeons will be released and gas-filled balloons will float into the air when the Governor officially declares the Games open. The Empire flag will be hoisted and then will follow a salute of guns and' the Bingi/«T of "Rule Britannia." is to head the teams in the parade, followed by Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Bermuda, British Guiana, Canada, Ceylon, India, New Zealand. South Africa, Southern Rhodesia and Trinidad with Australia, as the host nation, last. It is expected that 80,000 people will attend to-morrow's Catherine. The visiting athletes were received at Government House to-day by Lord and Lady Wakehurst.