ATHLETICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16353, 16 February 1921, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

NOTES ON EVENTS. (By “ SriUNTEIt.”) The programme for the St Patrick’s Athletic Sports Association’s annual sports meeting, to he held at Lancaster Park on iVLarcb 19, is a, really hue one, and exemplifies the wiaeuwaKc anu progressive spirit adopted by the Irishmen 0! Christchurch in providing a fitting celebration lor their national dayTlio prizes offered are worthy of tho occasion,, aud the large army of athletes will lind that everything possible has been done to attract the best run ners and cyclists in the Dominion. Mr 13. J. Al’lvenna, president of the association, and his hard-working executive, deserve every credit for the effort they are making to put the sport on a sound looting, and those desirous of seeing the sport well established will only be doing their duty by giving the association all the assistance in their power. Amateur running has been steadily growing in favour during the past year, and the *St Patrick’s Sports Association has done everything iu its power lo give this branch of athletics a further boost along. In this connection eleven events are set aside, and all will he able to rake part .in the 100yds, 220yds, and one mile Hat handicaps. These events should provide great racing, and if the association is successful iu inducing G. Davidson, the Olympic runner, to take part in the sprint events, interest should he very keen when lie is asked to concede starts to runners of the calibre of 31 Deed, Parker, Walden and Co.

Tn the longer distance events C. Taylor will once again measure strides with the next best in Christchurch. He is iiu great form, and will make another attempt to again win the Shamrock Cup, valued at twenty-five guineas. The 880yds Football Clubs’ relay race, the decision of which last year caused such great interest, will again come up for decision. Old Boys. Marists, Yterivale aud Linwond. amongst tho Rugby clubs, and Addington and Sydenham, of tho League clubs, will each he represented by a fast quartette, and this event should be one of the best on the programme. The 880yds relay race, for secondary schools, should also provide a great tussle, and it is believed that at least five teams will contest this event. Primary schoolboys will be given a chance in the 100yds race, the SBoyds relay race, and in the hop. step and jump, tho last event being confined to boys under thirteen years of age. A race has been set a-side for men weighing 16st and over, and no doubt some of our old-time athletes who have run to considerable flesh will now make an attempt to “com© back.” Of the fourteen events set aside for professional runners, the St Patrick’s Sheffield Handicap takes pride of place, the fin© sum of £4O being allotted the winner, and the second, third, and fourth place-fillers are also well looked after. The winner will also be the recipient of a cup, valued at fifteen guineas, presented bv Darfield enthusiasts. 'len other well-endowed races, ranging in distance from 100yds to one mile, and including the high jump, hop. sten and jump, long jump/ etc., should please athletes who hope to make their expenses out of the meeting. There ere three events in which cyclists may test their merit, these incltiding the one mile, one and a half mile, and three miles handicap*, the last-named race earrvins with it tlw l.lmcher Cap, valued at 1 wentv guiueas. entries for all events will elo« e on Y'ednesdav. March 2. with Mr J M Coffey, P.O. Bos- 10-31. ChristcTiurch.