Penny…and her thoughts
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Penny…and her thoughts

Penny Went collected a silver medal at the last World Games for the Deaf — now she is home and aiming for gold.

Mrs Went (pictured) was born and raised in Christchurch, although she has spent the past 10 years in Auckland.

She won a silver medal at the Los Angeles Games four years ago in the women’s badminton doubles. Her partner was Pamela Croskery.

Mrs Went (nee Clements) will be competing in the singles, doubles (with Mrs Croskery) and mixed doubles (with Douglas Croskery) at these games.

In Los Angeles six countries took part.

There are nine here.

In Christchurch Mrs Went represented Hagley High in swimming, tennis and badminton.

“I’m worried about the competition because the overseas competitors may have done more training than me,” she said.

“I would like to win for my family.” Her husband and two children are with her.

Mrs Went said the social side of the games allowed competitors to catch up with old friends and meet overseas people.

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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: Janet Watt

What it was like being the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team

Janet Watt was the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. She recalls being worried that each player had their own room at the university accommodation; how that would lead to more work for her (and eventually, silver and bronze for the team's players!).
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: 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: 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: 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: Kevin Pivac

Battling the Best in Badminton on Home Soil

With New Zealand hosting the World Deaf Games, Kevin Pivac stepped up to compete in both singles and doubles badminton. Backed by years of experience, he took on top players from India and Denmark. The matches were intense and physically demanding, but it was an unforgettable experience. Kevin also remembers how much the visiting athletes enjoyed New Zealand’s food, especially the milk!
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: 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: 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: 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: Pam Croskery

NZ’s Double Success: Pam on 1989 Badminton Wins

Pam Croskery competed in her second World Deaf Games at Christchurch 1989, winning her second silver medal in the badminton doubles with Penny Went. They couldn’t quite overcome England for the gold. Pam also placed fourth in the women’s singles and in the mixed doubles with Wayne Knowsley. In the doubles, Christine Ryder and Gillian Ramsay earned the bronze. Though Pam never played against them due to being in a different pool, she was proud to see New Zealand claim both silver and bronze.
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: 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

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

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: 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: 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

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: 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.
Doug (Douglas) Croskery
Doug (Douglas) Croskery
Pam Croskery (McCullough)
Pam Croskery (McCullough)
Penny Went (Clements)
Penny Went (Clements)

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Christchurch Star
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1989-031
Bibliographic source:
Christchurch Star, 6 January 1989, p.3
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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Cheering out for deaf

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Bronze Medallists from Auckland Deaf Society: New Zealand Deaf Women’s Basketball Team

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