OLYMPIC GAMES IN ITALY?

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 6

OLYMPIC GAMES IN ITALY?

Italy’s application for permission to stage the Olympic Games in 1944 will come as a surprise to most people and is sure to lead to some controversy, but it is to be hoped permission will readily be granted if Italy can establish her claim on ordinary grounds. Whether it was justified or not, there was an impression abroad that Italy would not risk the “disgrace” of defeat by inviting the world’s athletes to compete against Italians on Italian soil. Further, it was thought Italy believed herself sufficient unto herself and entirely independent of all outside influences. It is gratifying to know, therefore, that she still desires to participate in the peaceful activities of other countries and to let her athletes stand or fall by their prowess on the field of sport.

No good purpose could be served by boycotting Olympic Games in Italy. Indeed the effect would be the opposite; refusal to grant the Games would drive Italy further into that isolation and enmity that are already damaging enough to the world at large. Germany conducted the Games with more or less success, although it is said the occasion was seized upon as an opportunity to advertise the glories of the Nazi regime. The Olympic Council, however, is able to name certain conditions and is in a position to judge whether Italy coukl manage the Games with credit. Drastic changes in the world situation may occur before 1944, but in the meantime it would be unwise to jeopardise hopes of reconciliation by discouraging any co-operative effort by Italy or any other nation. It may be expected that Jewish athletes will boycott the Games in Italy, and that fact may complicate the position when the applications are being considered. Will Italy be prepared to welcome athletes of any race or political creed ? If she is, the Olympic Council will be able to consider the application with much better grace. It is unfortunate that politics or racial feeling should be extended to the field of sport, and it is to be hoped that before 1044 that wretched phase of human relationships will have given place to greater tolerance.