Advertisement: 16th World Games for the Deaf

Advertisement: 16th World Games for the Deaf

Over 1400 athletes and officials have confirmed they will take part in the sixteenth World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch in January.

Competitors from countries such as Russia, the United States, Kuwait, Israel, China and Bangladesh will compete in athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton, cycling, wrestling, football, volleyball, basketball, handball, shooting and tennis.

It is a great honour for Christchurch to be awarded these Games as this is the first time they have been held in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Games will centre around Queen Elizabeth II stadium and pool and Cowles Stadium with other venues being used when required.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.

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Relevant Links

Deaflympics

Taonga source:

Christchurch Star

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1989-022

Bibliographic source:

Christchurch Star, 4 Januaery 1989

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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Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Bottle Opener: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society

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Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Key Ring: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society

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Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Pennant: 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989

Margaret Coutts

<img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Pocket Patch: New Zealand, 1989 XVI World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch

Margaret Coutts

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article – Taonga source: The Press

Advertisement: 120,000 cheers

National Provident is proud to be the sole sponsor of the New Zealand team contesting the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Badge: USA Deaf Olympics, Christchurch, New Zealand

Margaret Coutts

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article – Taonga source: Kerry Titcombe

Kiwis praised for friendliness

Kiwis were the friendliest people on Earth, the president of the International Silent Sport, Mr Jerald Jordan, told the opening of the sixteenth World Games for the Deaf on Saturday.

Kerry Titcombe

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Pennant: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, January 1989

Margaret Coutts

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article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

Advertisement: Calling all Kiwis…

Calling all Kiwis...Join in the fun at the XVI World Games for the Deaf. Telecom is proud to have sponsored the Telecommunication facilities at each sporting venue.

Object – Taonga source: Lorraine Butler

Bronze Medal: Women’s Basketball, 16th World Deaf Games, Christchurch

Lorraine Butler

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Silver Pin: N.Z Fern

Margaret Coutts

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