BLIND SPORTSMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23505, 16 November 1939, Page 7

BLIND SPORTSMEN

OARSMEN AND ATHLETES GREAT ENTHUSIASM SHOWN It has not taken thoso charged with tho care of inmates of the New Zealand Instituto for tho Blind in Parnell, long to appreciate the value of sport as a means of helping men afflicted with blindness to enjoy lifo more fully, and all forms of athletics, as well as rowing, arc contested by blind men throuKhout the year. Tho annual athletic sports of tho institute's social club will bo held at tho Auckland Grammar School ground next Saturday. Athletic competitions havo been held annually since 1034, and at no time since then has the standard been so high. So enthusiastic aro some of tho competitors that they are to be seen training up Parnell Hill and round tho Domain as early as 5.30 in the morning. Naturally, various aids have to be used for tho competitors. In running events wires aro stretched taut from ono end of tho field to the other. A stick attached to a rinpr threaded on a wire guides the athletes. A bell is rune to guido competitors in jumping and throwing events. To help oarsmen to keep the blade the right way in the water a small tack is inserted in tho ufuler side of tlio oar handle. The coxswain is sighted. The principal trophy at stake on Saturday is the Sir lan Fraser Shield, which is awarded to the team gaining tho highest number of points in tho various competitions. The standard possible by these blind athletes is demonstrated by tho time of 12 2-5s returned b.v the winner'in the lOO.vds event last year.