Wellington fields 16 at deaf Games

Wellington fields 16 at deaf Games

Sixteen Wellingtonians are part of the 97 strong New Zealand team to compete in the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.

New Zealand is the first Southern Hemisphere country to host the Games which start on January 7 and run for 10 days. About 1300 deaf athletes from 30 countries are expected to compete.

National Provident has provided $25,000 towards the New Zealand team’s expenses.

Local members of the team are: Kathryn Olsson, swimming; Kerry Titcombe, athletics; David Smith, shooting; Wayne Knowsley, badminton; Kaz Witko, table tennis; Ripeka Bird, Douglas Magon, Clive Magon, Clive Morgan and Richard Pointon, basketball; Wayne Riggs, volleyball; and Christopher Blum, Craig Gray, Antony Kuklinski, Retimana Paul, Graeme Phinney and Craig Roberts, football.

Can you help?

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 recruited as communicators in a time when qualified interpreters were scarce. Jeff was appointed Technical Coordinator for football, a demanding role that had him working 12 full days to support clear communication between players, coaches, referees, and officials across 12 teams. He arrived early in Christchurch to help sharpen his communicator’s NZSL skills ahead of the event. While football wasn’t NZ’s strongest sport, the team gave it everything and proudly represented the host nation.

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: 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: Michael Lynch

From Rookie to Medalist: Michael Lynch’s Inspiring Swimming Journey

Michael Lynch, a standout New Zealand Deaf representative at the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch, made waves by winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. In this video, he shares his journey – from learning to sign at 13 after moving to Auckland to representing New Zealand on the world stage by 18.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

From Track to Pitch: Terry’s Switch to Soccer in 1989

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Terry Kane’s second appearance, but this time he swapped athletics for soccer. As the host nation, New Zealand needed to field a team. Several training sessions were held, including one in Taupō. Terry was selected as a reserve for the squad, which was a big change from his usual focus on athletics and table tennis!

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: 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: 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: 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

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: 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

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.

Chris (Christoph) Blum

Chris (Christoph) Blum

Clive Morgan

Craig Gray

Craig Roberts

David Smith

Douglas Magon

Graeme Phinney

Kathryn Olsson

Kaz Witko

Kerry Titcombe

Retimana Paul

Ricki (Richard) Pointon

Ricki (Richard) Pointon

Ripeka Bird

Tony Kuklinski

Wayne Knowsley

Wayne Riggs

Relevant Links

Taonga source:

The Evening Post

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1988-005

Bibliographic source:

December 22, 1988, p.21

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.

If you liked this, you might also like...

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Key Ring: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Margaret Coutts

<img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />

article – Taonga source: Kerry Titcombe

Kiwis praised for friendliness

Kiwis were the friendliest people on Earth, the president of the International Silent Sport, Mr Jerald Jordan, told the opening of the sixteenth World Games for the Deaf on Saturday.

Kerry Titcombe

article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

Advertisement: Calling all Kiwis…

Calling all Kiwis...Join in the fun at the XVI World Games for the Deaf. Telecom is proud to have sponsored the Telecommunication facilities at each sporting venue.

publication – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989

Shona McGhie

<img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-shonamcghie.jpg" alt="Shona McGhie" /><noscript><img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-shonamcghie.jpg" alt="Shona McGhie" />

article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

NZ swimmer wins bronze

Swimmer Michael Lynch claimed New Zealand's second medla of the World Games for the Deaf when he took the bronze in the 100m butterfly.

article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

Action in the World Games for the Deaf basketball tournament at Cowles Stadium

New Zealand was beaten by Australia in the basketball at Cowles Stadium today, 76-63. The New Zealand captain, Tony McGill, put the first points on the board with an impressive three pointer but the Kiwis could not keep the pressure on.

article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

World Games for the Deaf: Thursday 5 January 1989

A full page update from Christchurch Star on the World Games for the Deaf - Thursday 5 January. Be quick for souvenirs...No need for a whistle or gun; Close watch for drugs.

article – Taonga source: The Press

Twelve sports form busy programme

A summary of each sport featuring in the upcoming VXI World Deaf Games in Christchurch – soccer, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, handball, track and field, wrestling, cycling, swimming and badminton, with New Zealand contenders for medals.

video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Black and White Fancy Dress Fundraiser for 1989 WGD Christchurch

The Black and White themed Fancy Dress party at Christchurch Deaf Society on 28th May 1988 was a fundraiser for the World Games for the Deaf. Creative members dressed-up as prisoners, punk rockers, Spanish costume dress with bolero, nuns, waitresses, and rugby league players!

Deaf Society of Canterbury

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Silver Pin: N.Z Fern

Margaret Coutts

<img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Pin Badge: 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch NZ

Margaret Coutts

<img data-lazyloaded="1" data-placeholder-resp="128x128" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTI4IiB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTI4IDEyOCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwJSIgc3R5bGU9ImZpbGw6I2NmZDRkYjtmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk6IDAuMTsiLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="128" height="128" data-src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" /><noscript><img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />