A TEAM FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17245, 11 January 1924, Page 6

A TEAM FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES.

There are many sound reasons why New Zealand should be represented at the. coming Olympic Games. Participation promotes and strengthens friendly ties between the competing nations, and, in the case of the y-ounger nations, draws attention to their individuality. Such attention is an urgent and particular need ns far as New Zealand is concerned. In spite of the advertisement given to the Dominion by- the remarkable Rugby tour of the All Blacks in 1905 and by- the wonderful tennis performances of the late Anthony Wilding, the Dominion has suffered for years through being linked up with Australia under the term “ Australasia.” Even at this date, Australians refuse to cease using the term, regardless of the fact that the two countries are separated by- twelve hundred miles of water, or four days’ steam.

The New Zealand Oly-mpic Council will, we hope, go ahead vigorously- with the task of selecting arid equipping an Olympic team for Paris. Unfortunately, preparation for the tour was not begun as early as it should have been, but that matter can be remedied if the organisation work is thorough. Most of the. sporting and athletic bodies in the-Dominion arc willing to co-operate in earnest. All the Council has fo do is to say definitely what support is required and to keep in direct and constant touch with the various'centres. When it comes to dealing with the selection of the team, care must be taken that consideration is given only- to representatives who are likely- to distinguish themselves. It would be better to send no team at all than to send a team of mediocre performers. One advantage is connection with the Olympic games, as compared with the Davis Cup Lawn Tennis contest, is that the games are held but once every- four- years. That gives the countries taking part time to specialise in the form of representation decided on, time to select, prepare, coach and alter their teams. It means that there is not too heavy a call on the athlete who may- he chosen to compete at two or more successive series. For the next tournament, the New Zealand Olympic Council ought to take full advantage of the. four-year interval and organise early. Then i-t can rely-—without any- last-minute appeals on sufficient support and successful participation,