HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, Winners of Bob Scott Memorial Shield (Badminton), 1973

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, Winners of Bob Scott Memorial Shield (Badminton), 1973

AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY INC. New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention, Auckland 1973; WINNERS OF BOB SCOTT MEMORIAL SHIELD (BADMINTON). Auckland 254, Christchurch 240. J.Anton, L.Cowper, D.Beech, D.Chitty, (Mesdames) B.Cowper, M.Thompson, L.Hunt, S.Withers.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

Jonathan and Kevin Featured in the 8 O’Clock After Big Badminton Win

Jonathan Anton and Kevin Pivac were featured in the popular 8 O’Clock newspaper after being interviewed while playing badminton that morning. The article was printed and released that same evening. The two often played together and had just come off a tough win the weekend before, taking out an eight-game match at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Jonathan’s Look Back at ADS Badminton’s Golden Days

Utilising Auckland Deaf Society's Balmoral Hall, the ADS Badminton Club became a popular gathering point. The hall featured four full courts with nets and all the necessary equipment. Many of the players had moved to New Zealand from overseas, including Shirley Withers and Len Cowper, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere. Jonathan briefly served as treasurer and fondly recalls plenty of friendly matches between Deaf teams from Auckland and Hamilton. Great times, great memories!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Thrown Into It: Shona Becomes ADS Badminton Club Secretary

Shona McGhie never planned on taking a leadership role, but that’s exactly what happened soon after she joined the Auckland Deaf Society. Having previously been involved with the Christchurch Deaf Club, she moved to Auckland after an overseas holiday, drawn by its vibrant Deaf community. Not long after reconnecting with her love for badminton, she attended the club’s AGM just to show support – only to be unexpectedly voted in as secretary on the spot! Stepping into the role straight away, Shona went on to serve five dedicated years with the ADS Badminton Club.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Cups, Matches, and Fair Play: Jonathan on the ADS Badminton Club

Jonathan reflects on his time with the ADS Badminton Club, where he not only played but also contributed to its legacy by donating the ‘Anton Cup – Men’s Singles Round Robin’, a trophy he went on to win six times. The club also competed in interclub tournaments alongside hearing players, strengthening their skills and broadening their experience. He also highlights the ‘Keogh Cup – Mixed Doubles’, a fun and inclusive competition where strong players were paired with less experienced ones to keep things fair and enjoyable for all.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

ADS Badminton Winners Pins: 1983 to 1988

Pam Croskery explains the shift from trophies to a Winners Pin for the Auckland Deaf Society badminton club between 1983 and 1988. The pin allowed engraved strips for names, years, and event titles, making it easier to record multiple winners. Open championships were included, while interclub competitions required ADS membership. Today, ADS holds three Winners Pins belonging to Pam Croskery, Doug Croskery and Penny Went.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

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: 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: 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: Doug Croskery

Doug’s Time on the Badminton Court

Doug kicked off his ADS badminton journey in the early 1980s, later going on to represent New Zealand. He trained hard – Tuesday nights at Balmoral with the Deaf Club and Thursday night games at Gillies Ave, often facing hearing players. He prepped for the 1985 Los Angeles and 1989 Christchurch Deaf Games, but by 1988, numbers dropped and badminton eventually faded from the NZ Deaf Sports Convention. Doug adds he never partnered with his wife Pam in doubles as they saw enough of each other at home. Better to pick someone else and keep the peace!
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: Pam Croskery

A Thursday Tradition: How Pam Found Badminton

Pam Croskery shares how she got involved with the ADS Badminton Club. At 13, while at school, Pauline Seddon took her to the Deaf Club. There, Pam met many Deaf people and watched them playing badminton at the Balmoral hall. With a hockey background, she gave it a try and quickly fell in love with the sport. She enjoyed learning from other Deaf players who helped her with tips and rules. Every Thursday, Pauline brought her to play from 5.30pm to 7pm. Pam played badminton from age 13 until retiring at 52.
Alan Chitty
Alan Chitty
Beryl Homes (Cowper)
Beryl Homes (Cowper)
Don (Donald) Beech
Don (Donald) Beech
Jonathan Anton
Jonathan Anton
Laura Hunt
Laura Hunt
Len Cowper
Len Cowper
Maureen Thompson (Wilson)
Maureen Thompson (Wilson)
Shirley Withers
Shirley Withers
Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1973-P002-ADS
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
Low quality version. If you have a better version, please get in touch with SignDNA

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