OLYMPIC GAMES.

Waikato Times, Volume 101, Issue 16873, 12 August 1926, Page 4

OLYMPIC GAMES.

NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Replying to a deputation from the New Zealand Olympic Association, asking, him to become president, Hon. J. G. Coates said he had pleasure in accepting. He referred to the increase in the number of nations participating in tlie games, and stressed the international importance of the four-yearly encounters. New Zealand’s participation so far had been on a small scale. They should aim to increase it. The talent available to-day was such-that if funds were available we could in 1928, in proportion to population, be a strong opponent for the other nations. He had no fear that the games would result in our giving undue attention to sport. In regard to enlargements of the Association's activities, Mr Coates suggested that special efforts be made to include not only all amateur sporting bodies In the Dominions, but also individual sportsmen, who, whatever their particular affiliation might he, were generally interested in the welfare of New Zealand sport generally. It could be done, as in England, without in any way interfering with the autonomy of any one sport in its own sphere of Influence.