DEAF GAMES
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DEAF GAMES

New Zealand finished the World Games for the deaf in California with a gold in cycling and a gold and a silver in badminton — their best result ever. Latest results were:

Tennis: Hugh Bosman and Katrina Phillipos (both of Dunedin) lost their mixed doubles match to West Germany.

Basketball: New Zealand beat Canada 68–63.

Badminton:

Singles: Janet Watt (Christchurch) lost to Britain 1–2 to place fourth.

Women’s doubles: Carolyn Hamlin (Christchurch) and Watt beat Pam Croskery and Penny Went (both Auckland) 2–0. Croskery and Went beat Britain 2–1 to take the silver. Hamlin and Watt lost to Britain 1–2, but won the gold.

Mixed doubles: Lindsay Bamford (Wellington) and Watt lost to Sweden 0–2. Murray Kirk (Christchurch) and Hamlin lost to Britain 0–2.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Back to Auckland?! The Detour No One Expected

Susie’s trip to the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles didn’t go quite to plan. After taking off on a late-night flight, a flight attendant casually mentioned they were heading back to Auckland. Susie thought it was a joke – until she saw the Auckland sign out the window. The Deaf basketball boys had spotted flames coming from one of the engines. Everyone stayed calm, and the group spent the night at a hotel on Campbell Road (now a retirement village) before flying out the next day via Hawaii. A longer trip than expected – but definitely one to remember.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

The Mighty Kiwi: More Than Just a Mascot

The giant Kiwi mascot was a hit with crowds and delegates alike at the 1985 World Games for the Deaf. Carried proudly by the New Zealand Deaf team during team photos, ceremonies, and marches, it drew plenty of attention and added flair to the team’s presence. Tony Walton believes the mascot wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser – it also played a part in swaying CISS delegates to vote for New Zealand to host the 1989 Games. For Tony, strong promotion made all the difference. The beloved Kiwi mascot continued to feature at the 1989 Games and other Deaf sporting events, becoming a symbol of national pride and team spirit.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt

Winning gold in the badminton doubles at Los Angeles 1985!

Janet Watt reflects on her gold medal win in the women’s badminton doubles at the 1985 World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles. She and her partner Carolyn Hamlin, both based in Christchurch and seeded number one for New Zealand, took the top spot. Auckland duo Pam Croskery and Penny Went also made the podium with a silver medal, marking a proud moment for the NZ team. Janet credits her mum for the encouragement that kept her going. Without that support, she says, she might never have made it to LA – let alone won gold.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Knocked Down, Kept Running: Terry at Los Angeles 1985

At the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, 24-year-old Terry Kane competed in the 10,000m and the marathon. During the 10,000m, two Deaf Italian runners pushed him, causing him to fall and collide with fellow Kiwi Noel Coventry. The Italians were disqualified. Despite being shaken, Terry refused to pull out. He also ran the marathon, though he didn’t place in the top eight. He recalls training over 140 kilometres a week, with a personal best of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 32 seconds.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Fighting for 9th: New Zealand vs Canada at the World Deaf Games

In their final game at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, the New Zealand team was determined to finish on a high with a win against Canada. It was a closely fought, back-and-forth match, but New Zealand dug deep and came out on top – a result that made Coach Jeff Went proud of the team’s effort. While most of the players celebrated with a well-earned holiday in Hawaii, Jeff and Penny flew straight home to focus on caring for their young child after a full-on stretch in Los Angeles.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Farewell on Dominion Road: Terry’s World Games Memory

Terry Kane represented New Zealand in the 10,000m and marathon at the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles. Before departing, the full NZ team was farewelled with a march along Dominion Road, escorted by police, followed by a send-off at Auckland Deaf Society. Terry felt proud to wear the silver fern and knew everyone on the team had earned their place through hard work.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Los Angeles 1985: A Tough Tournament for Jonathan

Jonathan was selected to represent New Zealand at the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, competing in badminton across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Unfortunately, a severe case of the flu struck just before the Games – so bad that he couldn’t even appear in the team photo. As a result, he wasn’t able to perform at his best and didn’t achieve the outcome he had hoped for. After the Games, Jonathan made the difficult decision to step away from the sport to focus on his family, having been playing five times a week while also working full time.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From Engine Trouble to Door Trouble: NZ’s Journey to Los Angeles

After a dramatic return to Auckland due to engine trouble – and a bit of panic – the NZ Deaf team’s trip to the 1985 World Games in Los Angeles was already shaping up to be an adventure to remember. Things escalated after an overnight stop in Hawaii, when Team Manager Tony Walton discovered two athletes missing during the morning headcount. Despite furious banging on their hotel door, the pair slept through it all – until staff were finally ordered to break the door down to wake them! It was a chaotic start to the Games, but the team eventually made it to LA in one piece.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Proud to Represent: NZ’s 1985 Deaf Games Send-Off

Tony Walton, Team Manager for the 44-strong New Zealand squad, recalls the unforgettable send-off for the 1985 World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles. The entire team marched proudly down Dominion Road with a police escort, cheered on by the community, before gathering at Auckland Deaf Society for speeches and food. Their official team uniform was sponsored by Morris Coutts’ workplace – a smart way to save costs ahead of the international trip.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Fractured but Fighting: Terry’s Marathon Comeback

Three months before the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, Terry Kane fractured his leg while training at Mt Albert, hitting hidden wood in overgrown grass. With support from his hearing coach, he recovered through swimming, medication, and determination. Despite hot weather and poor air quality, Terry placed 13th out of around 33 runners in the marathon. Fellow New Zealanders Kevin Lawrence and Noel Coventry were forced to pull out, but Terry kept going.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Bench: Coaching Deaf Basketball on the World Stage

Jeff Went reflects on his experience coaching the New Zealand Deaf men’s basketball team at the XV World Deaf Games in Los Angeles. The trip began with an unexpected twist when their flight turned back a few hours after take-off due to engine trouble. From grabbing McDonald’s on arrival in LA to settling into life at Pepperdine University in scenic Malibu, the team took it all in stride – navigating the buzz of the opening ceremony and the long daily commutes to basketball practice. It was a journey full of challenges, highlights, and lasting memories.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

A Point Away from Gold: Pam Looks Back

A framed photo of Pam Croskery and Penny Went with their silver medals from the Los Angeles World Deaf Games proudly hangs in the ADS clubroom. Pam reflects on that moment and their achievement in the women’s badminton doubles. Players were selected two years ahead to allow time for training. Pam admits she was nervous going to Los Angeles, knowing NZ was a small country with fewer playing opportunities compared to others. Despite this, she and Penny hit top form. In the singles, Pam faced a 16-year-old Norwegian who thrashed them both. In doubles, they missed out on gold by just one point, narrowly beaten by their Christchurch teammates.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

NZ Deaf Basketball Qualifies for 1985 World Deaf Games

In a thrilling comeback, the New Zealand’s Deaf men’s basketball team defeated Australia 72–68 to qualify for the XV World Games for Deaf in Los Angeles 1985. Coached by Aussie-born Jeff, who had just five days to prepare with the team, New Zealand overcame a rocky start and halftime deficit. After a fiery team talk, they rallied in front of a packed crowd – securing their ticket to Los Angeles just 10 months out!
Carolyn Berry (Hamlin)
Carolyn Berry (Hamlin)
Hugh Bosman
Hugh Bosman
Janet Watt
Janet Watt
Katrina Phillips
Katrina Phillips
Lindsay (Lee) Bamford
Lindsay (Lee) Bamford
Murray Kirk
Murray Kirk
Pam Croskery (McCullough)
Pam Croskery (McCullough)
Penny Went (Clements)
Penny Went (Clements)
Taonga source:
The Evening Post
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1985-011
Bibliographic source:
The Evening Post, 1985
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been transcribed and/or OCR post-corrected. It also has been compressed and/or edited.

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1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Engine issue delays the New Zealand team’s journey to Los Angeles

Narrated by Tony Walton, the New Zealand team’s plans are disrupted two hours into their flight with an engine problem. They are forced to return back to Auckland.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

DEAF GAMES

An update from the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, where Carolyn Hamlin and Janet Watt (New Zealand) beat Pam Croskery and Penelope Went (New Zealand) in badminton doubles.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Janet Watt
  • Jeff Went
  • Pam Croskery
  • Susie Ovens
  • Terry Kane
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Badge: Los Angeles 1985, XV World Deaf Games

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
1985
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1985 (Vol. 22, No. 1)

NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • John Hunt
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
1985
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Badge: Los Angeles 1985, XV World Deaf Games

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Jeff Went
  • Pam Croskery
  • Tony Walton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Spring 1985 (Vol. 22, No. 2)

NZSL Stories
  • John Hunt
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

And the gold goes to John Ooteman!

Dressed in jandals, John Ooteman takes to the podium for his gold medal in the 35 km time trial, supported by a crew of New Zealand supporters. 
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
1985
article – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Representing his country at deaf games

Paparangi's Kaz Witko will be representing New Zealand at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles later this year. At 36, Kaz is no stranger to playing sport for his country.
Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
1989
article – Taonga source: The Press

Deaf athletes will be out to win medals

The vice-chairman of the organising committee, Mrs Margaret Coutts, said yesterday "for two weeks there will be more deaf people on the street than hearing people. My heart is filled with gold because of the very big turn out – there are more athletes here than at the previous World Games in America (in 1985)."
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Susie Ovens
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Indoor Basketball: Team New Zealand falls to Sweden

The New Zealand basketball team battled it out with Sweden on 13 July 1985, at Pepperdine University, Malibu. The first half went to Sweden, 81 to 25, before the New Zealanders fought back for a better second half, ending with 156 to Sweden and 74 to New Zealand. It was the New Zealand basketball team’s second loss at the Games, having earlier lost to Israel. They came 7th out of 8 teams at the Games.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Terry Kane
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Patch: Los Angeles 85, World Games for Deaf

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Pam Croskery
  • Terry Kane