THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Memories of Former Meetings
By Our Sports Correspondent.
The Olympic Games, which have been held during the past six days in Berlin, is the eleventh series organised since their revival, at Athens, in 1896. The venues, since the date of their revival have been, Paris, St. Louis (U.S.A.), London, Stockholm, 1RM101, I1IlqQ AmOorrlam, La Amin, and now Berlin.
The revival of the Games is due, in no small measure, to a party of German archaeologists, who, when excavating at the site of the ancient Stadium at Olympia, Greece, unearthed certain remains, which inspired Baron Mill a riench sports man, to put forward a scheme for the betterment of international sport.
Influence of Baron Pierre de Coubertin
Great Britain had little to do with the inauguration of the scheme, except, perkaps to encourage the idea. Actually, it was a continuance of a trait already displayed by the Baron, for previously he had induced the English Amateur Rowing Association, to allow a French team to compete at Henley, and this broadminded action for those Jays, kelpecl to make Henley Lett., the greatest in the world. Holland is to propose that the Baron, shall be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize of 1936, in recognition of his work in reviving these Games.
The Games, from the point of numerical participation, and athletic prowess, go from
strennth to strength_ At the first Olympiad
held in Athens, we were but poorly represented, America and Hungary, being the only two countries to send really complete teams, America carried off nine, out of frenzied with excitement, and it is said that the ladies tore off their jewellery, and tossed it at his feet, as a token of their patriotic fervour, that a Greek should win this event, in the first of their reconstituted Games.
In MC MCI Al Anitcrdilm, 110 fewer than 46 nations entered, which included 3,905 competitors. The entries in the last series, in Los Angeles, were considerably below these figures, due, mainly to the great distance and the heavy cost of transporting teams. Consequently, such nations as EgYnt Turkey and Bulgaria] t111 were prevented from participating. But despite this fact, sixteen world, and twentyfive Olympic records were created. Some critics of this series expressed the opinion that the Games were confined to athletic events only, and that the cultural aspects were lacking, whereas they should also form part of the programme.
Berlin and Los Angeles
Germany, has this year, undoubtedly, gone to considerable lengths to ensure that no similar criticism shall be levelled at the 1936 Games. In consequence, many impor tant ouontchuh bo hold on the Etap of the Open Air Theatre, which accommodates 20,000 spectators. Here, among other interesting events, G. F. Handel's oratorio " Herakles " which includes 2,500 performers, will be presented. Already, the International Dancing Festival has been cornoleted. grouns of dancers from all over world inking part, anti the An Pxhtbition was extended into August, in order that visitors might avail themselves of the opportunity of an inspection.
(Continued from previous column.) and took the Olympic Oath, of true Comradeship.
After Herr Hitler had declared the Games one1 n the Sacred Firei borne from 1 the birthplace of the Games at Olympia, Greece, by relays of runners, was applied to the Sacred Flame. This is situated on the tower of the Stadium, and there it will burn throughout the duration of the Games. The Olympic Flag was then 11R11-119q1w11/11i1 hY.T 11151 intertwined to symbolise the five continents; this year and for the first time, the Olympic bell was tolled to " call the youth of the world " in accordance with the inscription, on its rim.
Great Range Nineteen various lorms of sports are now being contested, and this number of fields, structures, and halls, are in constant use to keep the events up to schedule.
The arrangements for the Games represent for the committee a colossal task, but IhivriillioirohII n ihul twang hao been overlooked. Even the invitations to thirty boys, from the age of fourteen to eighteen, from each of the competing nations (possibly future competitors), were despatched, and we may be quite sure highly appreciated by the fortunate youths to receive them.
It would be difficult to forecast the world honours that will fall to our lot to win. It is a recognised fact that many competitors are spurred on by representing their country, whereas, others, at important events of this nature are frequently victims of " nerves " and fail to produce their best form.
British Hopes
We have sent over runners with a fair .chance in the 400 metres, 800 metres, 1,500 metres and 5,000 metres, but already some hopes have perished in the event. In fact, we have potential winners in every flat race on the programme. The times of the American runners are exceedingly good and we shall find, no doubt, that they will be effective stumbling-blocks to our success.
We would wish " good luck " to our whom are representing us in the diving events. They are, Miss Betty Slade (fourteen), Miss Jean Gilbert (sixteen), and Freddie Hodge (fifteen). This is the . • . •