CHAMPION BOXERS FOR OLYMPIC GAMES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17880, 23 June 1926, Page 3

CHAMPION BOXERS FOR OLYMPIC GAMES.

BOXING COUNCIL’S APPEAL TO LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 23. Convinced that the standard of box- | ing in New Zealand is on a par with that of other countries, the New Zealand Boxing Council is hopeful that the amateur championships this year or ' next will produce at least two or three i exponents worthy of being sent to ; take part in the next Olympic Games. : Boxing controllers arc keen to see that the Olympic Council is again set on a sound working basis, and to this end they arc appealing to the affiliated associations, also requesting the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association to convene a meeting of amateur sports bodies. The secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Council (Mr G. Aldridge) has written as follows to the various boxing associations; — “ I am directed by my council to draw your attention to the fact that the next. Olympic Games will be held at Amsterdam, Holland. T. am also to point out that the New Zealand Boxing Association is a member of the New Zealand Olympic Council, and that my council considers it its duty, and the duty of all local associations to give the utmost assistance to obtain funds for the New Zealand Olympic Council so as to ensure the representation of New Zealand at the next Olympic Games, irrespective of there being or not being suitable amateur boxers for inclusion in the team. My council desires the executives of local associations to consider the question of putting on a special tournament during this or next year for the funds of the i New' Zealand Olympic Council, and generally to interest all sportsmen to do their best to assist in stimulating the Olympic movement.” It is also pointed out in the letter that the council hopes to send representatives to the games and it desires that this be made known to all amateurs. The fact that any amateur boxer who is selected to represent New Zealand at the games will not afterwards be granted a professional license is strongly emphasised. The letter adds: “The New Zealand Rugby , Union, which has little chance of being represented at the Olympic Games, has set a fine example of what the Olympic spirit means, for this body is right behind the move to keep the Olympic Council an active organisation. Our , local associations are therefore urged to consider in a wholehearted manner <vhat these world famed games mean to New Zealand, and to do everything possible to foster the Olympic spirit amongst their members.”