OLYMPIC GAMES NOT CAUSING INTEREST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17879, 22 June 1926, Page 6

OLYMPIC GAMES NOT CAUSING INTEREST.

NEW ZEALAND MUST MOVE SOON, OR BE LEFT BEHIND. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, June 21.

Those who value the athletic prestige of New Zealand will regret the apathy which has brought about the ultimatum of the Olympic Council that it will resign in a bod}', failing concerted support from the affiliated associations before July 31 (says the “ New Zealand Herald ”). If this threat is carried out the Dominion will not be represented at the 1928 Olympic Games in Holland. Such a result is to be deplored as the games have become an international institution and the world's greatest amateur athletic fixture.

It is fitting, therefore, that a country like New Zealand, where amateur.ism is so richly prized and sport plays such a vital part in the life of the people, should be represented as it was in 1920 and 1924. The apparent lack of interest of the majority of sports associations ‘is not new. The same position arose before Miss V. Walrond, D. Iladfield, H. E. Wilson and G. Davidson were despatched to Antwerp in 1920, and Miss G. Shand and C. Purdy went to Paris in 1924. There was a lack of interest which was only displaced by enthusiasm on what was practically the eve of the games. At least one body appreciated the wisdom of early action. This was the New Zealand Swimming Association. To-day the association has a wellestablished overseas representation fund that is virtually an assurance that any swimmer with prospects of gaining a place will be sent to Holland two years hence. And the remarkable progress of the Dominion's young swimmers, especially the intermediates, indicates that aspirants for this honour will be numerous. Boxing, rowing and athletics can lay claim to exponents just as promising, and providing the all-important financial support is forthcoming, New Zealand should be more strongly represented than ever before. TENNIS MAY BE DROPPED. There appears a likelihood of lawn tennis being dropped in future Olympic Games, for the International Lawn Tennis Federation is definitely opposed to its inclusion. One important matter to be considered when the next band of athletes goes abroad is the provision of a trainer—an essentia! auxiliary if the tour is to be worth while. While New Zealand is marking time other countries have advanced with definite plans. America has gone so far as to send an agent to Holland to arrange accommodation for its team, which will be given ever}' chance to become acclimatised. It is to be hoped the various associations will shake off their cloak of lethargy so that, in contrast to the eight previous meetings convened by the Olympic Council, the ninth meeting will at least draw a quorum. When a definite scheme has been evolved the public will answer the appeal for assistance as they have done so frequently in the past. A lead from the officials of the Dominion’s sports bodies is the first essential.