Second gold to U.S. cyclist

At the basketball, also at Cowles Stadium, the New Zealand women beat Australia, 91-65, to notch the host country’s first win in the sport. New Zealand led 45-26 at half-time and is now in the running for the bronze medal.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Called Home to Win: NZ Shocks Australia at the Deaf Games

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Susie’s third WDG, but her first time representing New Zealand in Deaf women’s basketball. While on a working holiday in England, she got the call to return home and play. She said yes, thinking she’d head back afterwards – but she ended up staying in New Zealand! Named team captain, she faced the USA in their opening match. Nerves kicked in, and she was subbed off before finding her confidence and getting back on the court. Although the USA won, the real highlight came when New Zealand took on Australia, who had won bronze in 1985. It was a tough game – and New Zealand won 91–65! Everyone was shocked and thrilled. Truly unforgettable!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Kicking Off Communication: Behind the Scenes of Football at the 1989 Deaf Games

With just nine months to go before the Christchurch World Deaf Games, volunteers were urgently gathered to act as communicators in an era when qualified interpreters were scarce. Jeff was appointed Technical Coordinator for the football competition—a demanding role that saw him working 12 straight days from morning to night alongside a dedicated communicator, ensuring clear communication between players, coaches, referees, and officials across 12 teams. Jeff arrived in Christchurch early to help fine-tune the communicator’s NZSL skills, ensuring they were fully prepared for 12 days of intense competition. While football wasn’t NZ’s strongest sport, the team gave it their all, proudly fulfilling their role as the host nation.

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