Team Photo: Manawatu Deaf Society Women’s Basketball, 1986 — SignDNA - Deaf National Archive New Zealand

Team Photo: Manawatu Deaf Society Women’s Basketball, 1986

MANAWATU DEAF SOCIETY (INC.) WOMENS BASKETBALL; NEW ZEALAND GAMES FOR THE DEAF – PALMERSTON NORTH 1986; OTAGO DEAF SOCIETY CUP. WOMEN ROUND ROBIN: Hawke’s Bay 11 v. Manawatu 24; Manawatu 33 v. Auckland 27; Manawatu 18 v. Christchurch 7.

Back Row (l. to r.): Mr K. GORDON (Coach), E. HARONGA, J. SMITH, K. QUIRKE, S. JAMIESON, Mr R. McNAB (Team Manager). Front Row (l. to r.): D. CREIGHTON, A. HANSEN (Vice-Captain), L. BUTLER (Captain), D. JAMIESON, G. KEARNEY. Absent: L. ALLEN. K. GORDON – KATU CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING BASKETBALL COACH. K. QUIRKE – GORDON CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING WOMEN PLAYER AND BAILEY CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTSPERSON. L. BUTLER – FORMAN CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING WOMEN BASKETBALL AND KAY CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTSPERSON.

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: Susie Ovens

Susie on the Rise of Deaf Women’s Basketball

Susie recalls becoming intrigued while watching the first women’s basketball games at the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln. Inspired, she teamed up with Rae Oxspring to form an Auckland women’s team in time for the Labour Weekend Sports Convention. Back then, during Rae’s time, it was referred to as ‘netball’. The first competition for the newly created Otago Cup was held in Dunedin, and Auckland won that inaugural trophy. It marked the beginning of a marvellous era – with seven women’s teams competing! Susie fondly remembers one tense match against Christchurch, where an Auckland player accidentally wore a hearing aid. Auckland won the match – and only then did Christchurch raise a protest. Susie laughs, saying it was a bit cheeky: “Why wait until after losing to complain?”

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.

Annette Hansen (Scott)

Annette Hansen (Scott)

Debra Jamieson

Diane Creighton

Diane Creighton

Erina Carroll (Haronga)

Erina Carroll (Haronga)

Gay Kearney

Jackie Overall (Smith)

Jackie Overall (Smith)

Keith Gordon

Kelly Quirke

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Lyneen Allen

Russell McNab

Susie (Susan) Jamieson

Susie (Susan) Jamieson

Taonga source:

Manawatu Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1986-P003-MDS

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.