NZ ‘must build’ on success of World Deaf Games
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NZ ‘must build’ on success of World Deaf Games

NZ ‘must build’ on success of World Deaf Games

New Zealand deaf sports competitors and officials must build on the successes and achievements of the 16th World Games for the Deaf which ended in Christchurch on Monday, the games committee chairman, John Macdonald, said today.

“This time they did better than ever before. They have to keep going,” Macdonald said as the games organisers reviewed the 10-day event that saw 1400 athletes competing in 12 sports.

“These games have made more people aware of deaf people and their problems. It’s had a social effect as well as the pure sporting side.”

Macdonald said deaf competitors and officials now faced four years of fund-raising to send a team to the next games, in Bulgaria in 1993. With the New Zealand Deaf Sports Association funds run down by the cost of staging the games here, it would be a battle.

“They’ll make it, but with a smaller team,” Macdonald said.

There would be some help from the host country, such as Bulgaria had received from New Zealand, but that would fall well short of the funds needed to compete in 1993.

“But they have to go. Now we have the athletes achieving, as they did here, we must be sure they continue. Otherwise we could see them retreat back into themselves.

“The games have been a stepping stone for the athletes to keep going and for others to see them as deserving of help.”

On a personal basis, Macdonald said, he had enjoyed the games even more than the World Veteran Games here in 1981, when he filled a similar post.

“It says a lot for all involved, but I feel an even greater sense of achievement about these. The 1981 games were great, but these were even better.

“Throughout, there was not one major problem. The times when events fell behind schedule had to be expected in the circumstances, but they were never serious,” Macdonald said.

The association’s budgeting for the game was about $750,000. The return from that is not expected to be significant. Major sponsors are difficult to find in these times, but Macdonald said he hoped help would be forthcoming.

“It’s a good cause,” he said.

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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: Jeff Went

Part 2: Bulgaria on a Budget – The NZ Deaf Team’s Wild Discoveries

Jeff Went continues recounting the team’s time in Bulgaria, where they discovered just how cheap everything was – a loaf of bread and a pack of cigarettes both cost just 20 cents! He recalls his surprise at being handed a thick wad of cash for additional expenses and the challenge of carrying it around. The team also faced another shock – arriving at a swimming pool filled with murky green water! Thankfully, the issue was resolved, and later, Jeff had to accompany an athlete for an audiological test as part of the Games.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Part 3: Marathon Struggles & a Race Against Time to Get Home!

In the final part of the series, Jeff wraps up the New Zealand team’s experience in Bulgaria. The marathon team was frustrated with the poor state of the roads and the air quality, which made conditions difficult. On their journey home, the team nearly faced another hurdle – after their first flight was delayed, they worried they’d miss their Qantas connection. Fortunately, their plane was held back, ensuring they made it home in the end!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Part 1: Smoking on the Plane?! The NZ Deaf Team’s Shocking Flight to Bulgaria

Jeff Went, Team Manager and NZDSA Delegate for the New Zealand Deaf team at the 1993 World Games for the Deaf in Bulgaria, shares one of the team’s most unusual experiences. To their shock, smoking was completely accepted on the Bulgarian airline – passengers, air hostesses, and even the pilot were lighting up! With smoke drifting throughout the cabin on the long-haul flight, it made for an extremely uncomfortable journey.
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: 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.
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: 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.
John MacDonald
John MacDonald

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Christchurch Star
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1989-036
Bibliographic source:
Christchurch Star, 19 January 1989, p.13
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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