HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Netball Club, Grade A, 1981

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Netball Club, Grade A, 1981

AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY NETBALL CLUB; Grade A – 1981. BACK ROW: Kathryn Sedon (Vice Captain), Colleen Burch, Ella McNamara, Madith Robinson, Sheila Claridge. FRONT ROW: Diane Burch (Coach), Penny Clements (Captain), Kay McDermott, Adrienne Killen (Chairwoman). ABSENT: Raewyn Summers, Janet Burridge.

  • Deaf Clubs
  • Deaf Sports
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

From “Basketball” to Netball

Colleen started playing netball at the School for the Deaf, though it was still called basketball at the time. The term “netball” was just beginning to be used. After leaving school, she joined a hearing club where the old name stuck. When Jan Howard moved to Auckland from Australia, they agreed to put out an advertisement to form a Deaf team. The response was strong. Auckland’s team wore handmade uniforms. Teams also formed in Palmerston North and Christchurch, competing in the Deaf Sports Convention. Colleen later played in multiple Trans-Tasman Games and recalls the hard training, especially all the running.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

Why Auckland Deaf Netball Chose the Elephant as Its Mascot

Colleen shares the story behind the elephant mascot used by the Auckland Deaf netball team. The team often wore tops with an elephant symbol or brought an elephant soft toy to their games. She explains how the idea came about and why the elephant became a special symbol for the team.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

A Night to Remember: ADS Netball Club’s Burlesque Fundraiser

Colleen shares a lively memory from 1976, when the Auckland Deaf Society netball club celebrated its first birthday with a fundraising event. To make the night more exciting, Doreen Powell suggested a burlesque-themed evening. The team went all in, with costumes and cheeky performances, and at one point, someone’s shoes even flew off mid-act. Colleen dressed as a red and white striped prostitute and remembers the night as brilliant and full of laughter.
Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1981-P001-ADS
Note:
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