GOODWILL GAINED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26853, 18 August 1948, Page 5

GOODWILL GAINED

BRITAIN AS HOST NATION STAGING OF OLYMPIC GAMES N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent LONDON, Aug. 16. Though British competitors won only modest successes in the Olympic Games there was a general feeling of satisfaction with the success of the organisation, and an obvious conviction that under difficult circumstances Britain acquitted herself well as a host. The warm and obviously sincere congratulations extended to the organisers by the thousands of foreign competitors and administrators have amounted to much more than a formal “ thank you ’ note, and demonstrate that the risks Britain took in accommodating the first post-war Olympiad have been well repaid. It is admitted on all sides that the Games have earned invaluable goodwill for Britain, and that mucij credit for this is due to the successful organisation sponsored by the British Olympic Association. Excellent Arrangements “ London is to be congratulated and complimented up<pn its wisdom, courage, and sacrifice in holding the Games of the Fourteenth Olympiad so soon after World War II.” said Mr Gustavus Town Kirby, president emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee, before leaving Britain. ‘‘Many doubting Thomases pleaded that London’s bid for the Games should be withdrawn even after the invitation had gone out. Your arrangements have gone without a hitch, and the accommodation for teams and arrangements for transportation have been first class. An a word about food—it was wholesome, sufficient, and well served. No one went short, and all nations assembled here were grateful. In a broadcast to America reviewing the closing stages of the Games, Mr Siegmund Smith, sports director of the American radio station, WGR, said: “to the confusion of all who predicted argument and discord, I believe the Games have proved they can and do help to promote friendship and understanding. Closely linked with my satisfaction at this discovery is my genuine admiration for the achievements of the British people not only in staging the Games, but in staging them* the'"way they did. I liked the behaviour of the crowds at every event, and I admired their sportsmanship. “It is trying to a host nation to watch your best athletes being constantly beaten, but I was impressed by the way the British cheered their man for a good try and just as gallantly cheered the winner from another nation.”

Another Olympic Record The receipts for the Games are estimated at over £500.000, and the total attendance at over 1,500,000. Both are Olympic records. The expenses are estimated at about £400,000, which menas there will be a profit of roughly £IOO,OOO. Under Olympic rules this will be used to promote amateur sport in Britain. • - .