HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, Winners of Cunniffe Memorial Trophy, Indoor Basketball 1977

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, Winners of Cunniffe Memorial Trophy, Indoor Basketball 1977

AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY INC. New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention – Wellington, 1977; WINNERS OF CUNNIFFEE MEMORIAL TROPHY – INDOOR BASKETBALL. GAMES – Played 3, Won 3. POINTS – For 205, Against 128. SCORES – Auckland 60, Wellington 42. Auckland 79, Manawatu 27. Auckland 66, Christchurch 59. BACK ROW: D.Croskery, P.J.Oxspring, E.Klaver, N.G.Norris. MIDDLE ROW: J.Mansell (Masseur), R.T.Siviter, W.MacKail, P.Geddes. FRONT ROW: J.McRae (Coach), P.F.Murray (Vice Captain), G.A.Howard (Captain), W.T.Katu, J.M.Hunt (Team Manager).

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NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Big Ears: The Story Behind the Auckland Elephant Mascot

John was the masseur for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team at the 1977 Labour Weekend tournament in Wellington. That year, Auckland won the Cunniffe Cup in a close match against Christchurch, 66 to 59. The team’s mascot was an elephant, a symbol of Deaf pride with its big ears and a long nose for shooting hoops. John remembers a tough game with constant injuries that kept him busy on the sidelines. He says Deep Heat saved the day!
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: John Mansell

Vice-Captain on Court: John’s ADS Basketball Days

John recalls playing for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team, where he served as vice-captain. Their light blue singlets with white ADS letters and player numbers were handmade by Valerie Eaton, wife of Jim Eaton (team coach). The team played in the Mt Albert A league and pulled off a surprise win. They trained regularly on Thursday nights at the Club's Balmoral hall.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Sharron Attwood

New to the Scene: Sharron’s First Deaf Sports Experience in 1977

Persuaded to join the ADS team for the 1977 NZ Deaf Sports Societies Convention in Wellington, Sharron Attwood, from Whangārei, found herself stepping into a whole new world. She decided to give athletics a go, and joined the team that went on to win the Oxspring Shield! Sharron competed in the 100m sprint, 4x100m relay, shot put, discus, and long jump. It was a great opportunity to meet new people with regular weekend trips from Whangārei to Auckland for training sessions.
Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1977-P001-ADS
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