When the 1400 competitors and officials arrive in Christchurch to take part in the World Games for the Deaf, TVNZ’s news programme for the deaf will be ready and waiting.
The small staff of the weekly programme “News Review” is being boosted by four journalists to cover the events of the three-week games in January.
Tony Mooar, “News Review” editor, said the programme will be resuming broadcasts after Christmas on January 8 to provide detailed coverage of the international event.
The games begin on January 7, running through to January 17. Each Sunday “News Review” will provide a news bulletin devoted almost entirely to the games.
More than 1400 people are expected to take part, representing 32 countries. The largest team, from the United States, totals 245 people and the smallest team of three members is from Bangladesh. New Zealand’s team is made up of 130 members.
In addition to the competitors and officials Norm McPherson, the chief executive officer, expects at least 1000 visitors to Christchurch.
The 1989 Christchurch Games will be the 16th World Games for the Deaf. They began in 1924 in Paris, with just six teams affiliated to the organisation competing with another three teams from outside the structure.
The Games are run by the Committee of International Silent Sports (CISS) which is affiliated to the International Olympic Committee. This affiliation gives the Deaf Games the right to fly the Olympic flag.
The New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sport Association (NZDASA) is the local organiser.
The Games are run much like a Commonwealth or Olympic event. There are 12 events competed at a number of venues. They include athletics, swimming, volleyball, basketball, tennis, shooting, table tennis, wrestling and badminton.
Handball, also included, is new to competition in New Zealand.
The main ceremonies, swimming and athletics take place at Queen Elizabeth II Park, with the other events around the city.
Coping with hosting the Deaf Games adds extra problems for organisers.
Flags are used to start events. Of the 1500 people required over the three weeks, 100 are interpreters who have been in training for the past 12 months.
