SIXTY-FOUR ATHLETES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27081, 16 May 1949, Page 6

SIXTY-FOUR ATHLETES

CANADA’S REPRESENTATION BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES Rec. 8 p.m. OTTAWA, May 14. Canada plans to send at least 64 athletes to the British Empire Gameo at Auckland next February, Colonel George Machum, president of the British Empire Games Association of Canada, said to-day. Appealing for funds, he said. It is a national project calling for nationwide co-operation so that our nation can be properly represented and our athletes well looked after. ’ Present estimates indicate that the total cost will be 103.000 dollars, of which the heaviest items will be 84,828 dollars for transportation to New Zealand by ship and the return by air. The air trip is necessary because there is no return ship from Auckland until six weeks after the Games end. From London it is reported that the strength of British representation at the Empire Games m New Zealand next January depends very largely upon how much money can be raised to cover expenses. British amateur athletics authorities at present nope to send a team of at least 100, which will require a fund of between £3S,OUU and £40,000. A special committee has already been formed to organise the raising' of the money. As many competitors as possible will be sent by ship, and only those who cannot afford to be away from Britain for three or four months will go by air.