Fund-Raising For Nelson's Olympians

The fund to send Nelson sportsmen Rodney Dixon (1500 metres) and Jeff Rackley (welterweight boxing) to the Munich Olympics was launched, by the fund-raising committee, with a wine and cheese evening. The function was well attended and it was not long before the barometer, indicating money at hand or promised, began to soar. Guest speaker at the function was world famous athlete Murray Halberg who, despite the handicap of a permanent arm injury suffered playing rugby, climaxed a great career with an Olympic 5000 metres gold medal at Rome in 1960.

Rod Dixon chats with Jeff Rackley's parents, Les and Joyce. Jeff did not attend the function as he was too busy winning a gold medal at the Oceanic Games in Tahiti

Ray McConchie chats with Nelson's only previous Olympian, cyclist Nick Carter (London, 1948)

Engrossed in conversation are Barry Newport and Kelvin Ching

Committee chairman Les Stollery indicates progress on the barometer. At the left is Nelson P.R.O. Mike Veal talking with Sam Taylor

Guest speaker Murray Halberg (right) with Jerry Harris, Peter Wild and Jim Sharland

Also at the function were Maree Dixon, Bill Coppins and John Dixon, who is Rod's coach

Snow Edgar and Halsey Logan

Nelson M.P. Stan Whitehead is in select company here. Boxers all–Dean Rackley, Les Barclay, Les Rackley and Graham McNamara

Don McLean and Brian Thornalley

Syd Guppy (left) and the Bishop of Nelson, the Rt Rev. P. E. Sutton (right), with one of New Zealand's greatest boxers, Les Barclay, New Zealand pro. lightweight champ and world rated in the 1920s

Mr M. J. McGlashen, P. Milne and Alan Hunter

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The Nelson Photo News

No 141 : July 22, 1972

Fund-Raising For Nelson's Olympians