OLYMPIC GAMES

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1926, Page 4

OLYMPIC GAMES

BONING COUNCIL- SHOWS INTEREST. WELLINGTON, June 22. Convinced that the standard of boxing in New Zealand is on a par villi 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 exponents worthy of being sent to take port in the next Olympic Games. Boxing controllers arc keen to see that the. Olympic Council is again set m a sound working basis, and to this cud they are appealing to the affiliated Associations, and also requesting the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association to convene a meeting ot amateur sports bodies. The secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Council (Mr 0. Aldridge) has written as follows to the various Boxing Associations: “l am directed hy mv Council to draw your attention to the fact that the next Olympic Games will l,c held at Amsterdam, Holland. 1 am also to point out that the New Zealand Boxing Association is a member of the New Zealand Olympic Council, and that my Council cmisideis it a duty, and the duly of all haul Associations, to give the utmost assistance to obtain funds for the Now Zealand Olympic Council, so as to ensure representation ot 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 executives of local Associations to consider the question of putting on a special tournament during this or next .seal for the funds of (he 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 vcprosenlativcs to the Games, and it desires that this he made known to all am.i-

tears. The fact, that any amateur boxer who is selected to represent New Zealand at the Games will pot thereafter he 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 Lis set a tine example of what the Olympic spirit means, for this body is right behind the move to !:eep the Olympic Council in active organisation. Our local Associations are therefore urged to consider in a wholehearted manner what these world-fam-ed (Limes mean to New Zealand, and to do everything possible to foster the Olympic spirit amongst their members.”