CHINESE SPORTS PROVIDE FUN AND GAIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18585, 10 October 1928, Page 10

CHINESE SPORTS PROVIDE FUN AND GAIETY.

CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY OF CHINESE REPUBLIC.

Attired in bright and sports costume, the Chinese inhabitants of Christchurch deserted their fruit and vegetable stores, their laundries and their offices to-day and assembled at English Park to bold their annual sports meeting. To-day is the 17th anniversary of the Chinese Republic, and Chinese in all parts of the world celebrate the occasion. At English Park, over 100 sons and daughters of Chhia were present when the sports startedYoung and old participated, and the more athletic attired themselves in sporting garb. All th© competitors showed the utmost enthusiasm, and the meeting went with a swing from start to finish. _ Owing to the rather crude idea of running. held by most of the competitors ‘ many comic situations arose. Runners collided and stumbled, but all rose agq.in and continued the race with added zest.and eagerness- . The winning or losing of the race made little difference, and he "who came in last appeared to derive as .much enjoyment from the contest as the winner. . The programme offered a wide variety of events, from running and cycling to a bun-eating competition. The big event of the day was a Soccer football match between a Wellington Chinese united team and the Christ-, church Chang Wall team.

Before the sports, the president (Mr Yee-Rara) sajd that to-day was the 17th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Republic. This was the first year that‘a United Chlpa had been established. The fact that all the factions were united made it easier for all the people to celebrate. Mr George Gar, the secretary, then read the programme of events, after which the Chinese na.tional anthem was sung. Mr Eric Chum acted as announcer. Results of the events were:— 440yds Young Peoples' Tee 1, George Ah Chang 2. Old Men’s 100yds Race—Yee Kwong 1, ChuVn Sun 2. 100yds Hopping Race—George Yee and Percy Chew Lee 1, Yee Hec aqd Gee Bind 2. ' Two-mile Bicycle Race—Percy Chew Lee 1, Wong Gay 2. Egg-and-Plate Race—Stanley Yee 1, George Yee 2.