FIRST WORLD NATURIST SPORTS MEET (1939)

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As we go to press, we are in receipt of the official announcement of the first world sports meet under the auspices of European nudists, which will be held in Switzerland from July 30 to August 6 in conjunction with the fifth international congress of the nudist movement. The gathering will be held at the camp and home of “Die neue zeit”, at Zielbrucke-Thielle, on the shores of beautiful Lake Neuchatel. It would be difficult to find a more suitable place in which to hold such a gathering. Away from the noise and dust of cities and highways, in the midst of lonely woods, bordered by the near Jura mountains and in sight of the distant range of the Swiss Alps, the setting is one of truly charming surroundings.

“We hope to somewhat revive the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games in the original Greek meaning,” says the official announcement, and the competitions that are already scheduled are mental as well as physical. A competitive essay dealing with the best methods for nudist propaganda will be awarded a suitable prize. This essay, to be properly entered, should not exceed approximately five hundred words and should be addressed to the editor of “Die neue Zeit” at the above address before the end of June.

The program of physical activities contemplates a relay race, competitive games such as Ball of Nations and basket ball. During the week days following, there will be regular daily gymnastics, training for nudist leadership under adequate instruction, hiking trips to the Jura mountains, lectures, discussions, singing, films, and possibly most attractive of all the celebration of the Swiss National Festival on August 1. The activities of Sunday, August 6, will be in the nature of individual competitions including the 100-meter race, the running high jump, the obstacle race, putting the shot, swimming. Women will enter all contests except the third, though with appropriate handicaps.

Members of the American nudist groups are earnestly urged to attend and will be most welcome. We sincerely hope that some representatives of the American nudist movement will find it possible to attend this worthwhile event.

(Source: The Nudist/Sunshine & Health, Vol. VIII, No. 7, July, 1939)