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From: "Peter Saunders" <>
Subject: Finding Ancestors Names in Sports Reports
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 10:33:08 +1000


Did you know that you can often find interesting newspaper reports of
sporting events which include the names of many participants? Depending
on what sport it was, articles appeared from the first days the sport
was held. Many employers encouraged their workers to take part in such
contests to help maintain their fitness, although with the rules of the
day I sometimes think the results could have had the opposite effect.
It is surprising the number of well-known businessmen whose names can be
found associated with both the administration and contest of various
sports.

Popular sports of the 1800's included pugilism (boxing), rowing,
pedestrianism (running), soccer, Australian rules, British Rules
(soccer), and rugby union. Rugby League didn't commence until around
1908, when many popular rugby union players changed codes.

Hope this helps a few listers find some extra interest to their
research.
Maureen

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