Dressed to Represent at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention
John recalls how athletes travelling to Deaf Sports Conventions, such as the one in Christchurch in 1968, were required to dress formally, including wearing ties. Both athletes and supporters wore rosettes to show their club. These were removed during games but worn again afterward. On the final evening, swapping rosettes was a tradition. John still has a few at home.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton
Where NZSL Thrives: The Power of Deaf Sport Gatherings
Tony Walton reflects on the importance of the NZ Deaf Games, once called the Sports Convention, held every Labour Weekend. It was more than just sport. It brought Deaf people together to socialise and sign in NZSL. Local delegates organised the event, while NZDSA awarded the Player of the Year and Aotearoa Turi Shield. A proposal to make the Games biennial was first rejected but later accepted. Looking back, Tony wishes it had stayed annual.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie
Wearing Two Hats: Shona on Leading NZ Deaf Sports
Shona McGhie shares her experience in the 1980s and 90s juggling two roles. She was both Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and Administrator of the NZ Deaf Games. As Administrator, she ensured the host city met all requirements to run the Sports Convention smoothly. She organised meetings, AGMs, and worked closely with delegates on teams, rules, and bylaws. Shona held the role for three years, helping keep Deaf sport in New Zealand running strong.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery
ADS Athletics Team Dominates the Track
Doug was a regular on the Auckland Deaf Society athletics team from 1977 to 1985, and he made it count. He was a standout in the 100m sprint, the 4x100m relay, where he often placed first or second, and the long jump, where he regularly finished in the top three. For four years in a row at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention, the ADS athletics team took home the Oxspring Shield. Not a bad run at all!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
A Sleepless Train Ride to and from Wellington for the Sports Convention
In 1972, Kevin played basketball for the Auckland Deaf Society at the Deaf Sports Convention in Wellington, where the team took home the Cunniffe Cup. The Auckland group travelled by overnight train, with one carriage packed full of Deaf people. Sleep was scarce with constant chatting and playing with the lights. Alcohol was banned on trains at the time, but on the return trip on Monday night, a friend met them at Paekākāriki and dropped off a crate, which they secretly brought into the carriage!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
Honouring Bob Scott: The Birth of the Inter-Club Badminton Trophy
The Auckland Deaf Society badminton club was shaped by leaders like John Hunt, Laura Hunt, and Des Powell. Balmoral Hall served as the club’s main hub. The Bob Scott Memorial Shield for inter-club badminton at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention was created to honour Bob Scott, a former ADS President who held the role at age 90, just one year before he passed away. Des Powell led the creation of the trophy. Auckland won the first competition in 1968 at the Christchurch convention, and again the following year when it was hosted in Auckland.
