OFF TO OLYMPIAD

Southland Times, Issue 21728, 14 June 1932, Page 6

OFF TO OLYMPIAD

N.Z. ATHLETES DEPARTURE TO-DAY TEAM FAREWELLED (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 13 The New Zealand teain for the 1932 Olympiad at Los Angeles assembled in Wellington to-day and the members had a busy day preparing for their departure by the Wtonowai. The manager, Mr P. Rundle conferred with various sports bodies concerning the remits to be put forward on behalf of New Zealand at the conference to be held at Los Angeles.

Wellington, June 13

An afternoon tea send-off to the athletic section was tendered by the Council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. The chairman of the Council, Mr H. J. Austad, presided. He said that the team which they were sending was a record one for New Zealand as they were sending no fewer than 24 representatives. For the first time they were sending a road cyclist and official starter. Havelock, the Oxford University representative who had put up such a splendid performance in England last week, would join the team in Los Angeles. Though all of the New Zealand team might not be successful in winning events, Mr Austad was sure that athletics in the Dominion would be all the richer for what they would learn. Mr A. C. Kitto, president of the Wellington centre of the N.Z.A.A.A. said that the members of the team had a performance to their credit which would give them a good chance of competing with the world’s best.

Mi- J. Savidan returned thanks on behalf of the members of the team, remarking that they would do their best to bring back some of the trophies. Mr J. Heenan, athletic and boxing trainer, said the team was a strong one and would make a favourable impression in the United States. Mr T. W. Leslie thanked the Olympic Council for having nominated him as starter at the games. He was sure every member of the team on their return would hand on much valuable instruction to athletes in the Dominion.

The three boxing representatives, Bert Lowe, (Dunedin) middleweight, Harold Thomas (Wellington) lightweight, and R. Purdie (Auckland) featherweight, were farewelled by the council of the N.Z. Boxing Association. Dr McEvedy, president of the council, presided, and in wishing the three boxers success said they were fortunate in going with such an experienced trainer as Mr Heenan. Mr Heenan thanked the Boxing Council for having appointed him trainer. Bert Lowe in returning thanks on behalf of the boxers said they were hoping to win at Los Angeles, but whether they did or not they would do their best to uphold the honour of New Zealand. Thomas and Purdie also replied. Although the final appeal for funds has not so far resulted in the full amount being raised, the Wellington Athletic Centre has decided to send Miss Thelma Kench, the Dominion’s leading woman athlete to the Olympic Games. Subscriptions totalling about £4O were sought and £25 is still required. The centre decided to advance this sum in order to allow her to leave with the team to-morrow.