An archive has uncovered a speech given by Winston Churchill in the run-up to the Paris Olympics in 1924. Churchill was backing a fundraising campaign to support British athletes taking part in the Games, based on merit rather than financial affordability. The Churchill Archive Centre, which holds papers belonging to the World War Two prime minister, was responsible for discovering the letter. Director Allen Packwood revealed that Churchill was an accomplished athlete in his youth, having won a public school fencing championship in 1892 and a polo championship with his regiment whilst in the Indian Army in 1899.
Churchill delivered the speech at Mansion House and supported an appeal chaired by Lord Birkenhead, a friend, which aimed to raise £40,000 for the athletes. In the speech, Churchill called for “the funds necessary to secure an equal opportunity for our men… We must be in a position to make sure that when our country competes in Olympic Games, real native merit shall not be excluded from our representation because those who prove that merit are poor”. The statesman also referenced the fact that the games were taking place “after a war in which our youth and manhood has suffered far more severely than some of the other great nations whom we shall meet in friendly rivalry”.
Despite Churchill’s relative obscurity at the time, having lost his Dundee seat in 1922 and not returning to Parliament until 1924, this speech has drawn attention due to its insight into Churchill’s views on the Olympic Games. Packwood commented that the speech raises several pertinent concerns that are still relevant in contemporary society, including issues surrounding sporting funding, professionalism and the uniting power of sport during difficult international times.
Churchill’s speech emphasizes the importance of supporting native sportsmen who have demonstrated merit, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Churchill’s foresight in promoting this cause has stood the test of time, and this timely discovery serves as an important reminder of the enduring nature of such critical values
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