The Cruise of the Branwen

THE OLYMPIC GAMES unanimous sanction of the world's sporting representatives, I see a real contribution to the amenities of life of which this country may be justly proud. In the definite physical improvement of the race, in the growth of mutual respect and mutual esteem from friendly rivalry and social contact among the athletic youth of so many different nations, the ideals which animated the Olympic Games of 776 B.c. will, it is hoped, be detected in the latest gathering of A.D. 1908. Modern life offers many contrasts to the philosophy of ancient Hellas, and modern sport has of late shown many tendencies antagonistic to Hellenic principles. It may be well that, at any rate once in every four years, we should cast our eye back to that purer dawn of physical culture when " personal expenses " were unknown, when the "shamateur" was yet unborn, and when the joy of generous contest and the strength and health of youth were considered the best blessings Provi– dence could bestow upon a grateful nation. Certainly those blessings seem most widely and heartily appreciated in modern Greece; and to the Athenian Games of 1906, with all their significant effects on the international athletic movement of the present day, I must now turn; for the preparations we made for them were in reality the beginnings of our Olympic Games in England. J8