Games Loss ‘A Blow’ For Deaf Team
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Games Loss ‘A Blow’ For Deaf Team

New Zealand athletes who took part in the World Deaf Games in Cologne arrived home unhappy about losing their bid to hold the 1985 Deaf Games in Christchurch.

The general feeling among the athletes was that Los Angeles, which will host the next Deaf Games, bought the right to hold them.

The president of the Deaf Amateur Sports Association, Mr M. E. Coutts, said the Americans had won the bid for the games by offering very cheap accommodation.

He said news of the decision giving the games to Los Angeles reached the team as they started their events in Cologne.

“The loss of the games was quite a blow, but I don’t think the team’s performance was too badly affected by it.”

Two of the 19 athletes won medals at the games: The Palmerston North cyclist J. Ooteman won a gold medal and the wrestler R. Algie (Featherston) won two silver medals.

Mr Coutts said: “We will be definitely putting in a bid for the 1989 Deaf Games and this time we are determined to win.”

Caption under photo: The manager of the deaf athletes’ team, Mr J. P. McRae (right), with winning medallists J. Ooteman and R. Algie and other team members.

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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: Susie Ovens

Oops, That Was Me! Susie’s Athletics Mix-Up at the 1981 Deaf Games

At just 15 years old, Susie competed in the 100m and 200m events at the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln, with Barbara Hazelwood from Palmerston North as her chaperone. Nervous before her first race, she climbed down through the stadium seats to reach the track, only to be stopped by an official who reminded her to use the proper tunnel like the other athletes. He let her through, but Susie was surprised (and a bit embarrassed!) to see the rest of her heat arrive in a formal line. She loved the deaf-friendly starting system, with ground lights that flashed when the gun fired. But in the 200m, things took a twist. Her team manager mistakenly told her she hadn’t qualified for the final. Later, while watching the race, she saw an empty lane… and her name on the scoreboard. She had qualified after all, but it was too late!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

A Silver to Remember: Shona’s Memories from the 1981 World Deaf Games

In 1981, Shona McGhie travelled to Köln, Germany, to attend the World Deaf Games as a supporter, joining Colleen Norris to cheer on the New Zealand athletes. While there, she witnessed the incredible performance of NZ wrestling representative Robert Algie. Though she can’t recall exactly which round, she remembers the electric atmosphere, the huge crowd, and the overwhelming support as Robert battled his way through to the finals. His effort paid off – he proudly earned a silver medal for New Zealand. Shona describes it as a unique and emotional moment.
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!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

From Supporter to Secretary: Shona McGhie’s NZDSA Story

Shona McGhie shares how she became involved with the NZ Deaf Sports Association after attending the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln as a supporter. Inspired, she accepted an invitation from Norman to observe an NZDSA executive meeting. They were looking for a new secretary, as Margaret Coutts had joined the organising committee for the 1989 Games. Shona was nervous but took on the role. She worked with basic green-and-black screen computers, fax machines, and letters. It was a demanding period, especially with the 1989 World Deaf Games ahead. Shona stayed in the role until 1996.
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: Milton Reedy

Dressed to Represent: NZ’s Bid at the 1981 Games

At the 1981 World Deaf Games in Germany, Milton had planned to compete in judo, but the event was cancelled just two months before. Disappointed, he still joined the team after Bruce McHattie encouraged him to help with New Zealand’s bid to host the next Games. Dressed as a Māori warrior with a tā moko and taiaha, Milton quickly became the most photographed person at the event. Despite the impact, New Zealand lost the bid to Los Angeles, who offered accommodation and three meals for just $24 a day – a deal NZ couldn’t match.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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

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.
John (Johannes) Ooteman
John (Johannes) Ooteman
John McRae
John McRae
Kaz Witko
Kaz Witko
Morris Coutts
Morris Coutts
Robert Algie
Robert Algie
Royce Flynn
Royce Flynn
Susie (Suzanne) Ovens
Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Margaret Coutts
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1981-004
Bibliographic source:
Unknown, 1981
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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