FORTHCOMING SPORTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 76, 22 January 1947, Page 5

FORTHCOMING SPORTS

ANNIVERSARY DAY PROGRAMME ATTRACTION AT OHOPE As a first major effort to stimulate public interest, and also with the object of establishing a reserve pool of funds for improving the outlay of, and facilities to Ohope Beach, the Ohope Progress League is sponsoring a grand carnival and sports meeting on Anniversary Day, January 29th (Wednesday next). The fact that so many enquiries have been received from far afield, indicates that it is already established in the public mind as a prominent sporting fixture, and with the very large number of entries received to date, success is assured. The meeting will take place on the Caledonian Sports ground at Ohope—venue of the recent successful New Year’s Day sports meeting. In the past few weeks, much work has been put in on the grounds, and these have been improved one hundred per cent. Extensive levelling work has been carried out, and in addition, a parking area to hold approximately a thousand cars has been made available.

As stated above, a large number of entries has already been received. In the chopping section alone, 160, nominations from all over the North Island have come to hand, and included is the name of at least one New Zealand champion. Marching competitions also, appear to be popular, and teams from Ngongotaha and Rotorua will be competing for the £25 shield, donated by Ohope businessmen. Enquiries from as far afield as Auckland and Hamilton have been made with regard to the National dancing section, whilst the piping and drumming contests promise to attract players from Rotorua, Hamilton and Tauranga. Apart from the usual refreshments, arrangements are in hand for a Maori hangi, which bids fair to be one of the best yet staged at Ohope. The whole of the profits resulting from the day, it should be pointed out, will directly benefit Ohope Beach. They will be used in connection with beautifying and other work, and will serve to help make Ohope an even more attractive resort. The Anniversary Day sports meeting should supply the necessary funds for at least part’ of the extensive programme of improvements to the beach which the League has in mind, and which will further advance the reputation of Ohope as an ideal holiday resort.