CENTENNIAL GAMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 10

CENTENNIAL GAMES

SERIES OF SPORTING EVENTS OVERSEAS COMPETITORS EXPECTED (Per United Press Association) . AUCKLAND, June 7. The opening day of the New Zealand Centennial Games which ia to be held on January 6 of next year will inaugurate a series of sporting events all designed to form part; of the centennial celebrations of'the Auckland province. The comprehensive character of the series of summer sports to be held in January was indicated to-day by the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis) in his capacity as chairman of the Auckland! Provincial Centennial Council.

Sir Ernest said the opening day on January 6 promised to provide the largest and most spectacular sporting gathering ever held in New Zealand. and if present hopes Were realised a good number of overseas competitors would be present. It was proposed to hold a grand parade of the representatives, (of all the sporting:; bois^ K followed *by a formal opefi|ni| of the Games., The Governor-General (Viscount Galway) was being invited to perform the ceremony. From the promises . already achieved it was anticipated,* Sir Ernest said, that at least from SOOO to 6000 would take part in .the parade and displays. The actual games would begin on Monday, January 8. The sporting organisations were making every endeavour to induce overseas competitors to take part in the various games and from the reports to hand it was fairly certain that competitors from America, Canada, Australia and South America would take part. “ It is regretted that the Olympic tests and Australian national games at Brisbane will be held during this period," Sir Ernest said. “ But I am. now in communication with the Australian authorities in an effort to have the Australian dates altered so that no overlapping will occur and Australians will be free to take part in the celebrations.”