Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, World Games for the Deaf, 1993

NEW ZEALAND DEAF SPORTS TEAM WORLD GAMES FOR THE DEAF 1993; SOFIA – BULGARIA. Back Row: KEVIN LAWRENCE (Marathon) – PAUL WALTERS (Badminton) – JOHN DAVIES (Marathon Coach) – NEIL CLIMO (Badminton) – RON YOUNG (Swimming Coach), STUART HARRIS (Swimming). Front Row: LINDA PROUSE (Interpreter) – VIVA STANFORD (Badminton Coach) – SHONA McGHIE (NZDSA Delegate) – JEFF WENT (Team Manager and NDSA Delegate), PAM CROSKERY (Badminton) – GILLIAN RAMSAY (Badminton).

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Part 1: Smoking on the Plane?! The NZ Deaf Team’s Shocking Flight to Bulgaria

Jeff Went, Team Manager and NZDSA Delegate for the New Zealand Deaf team at the 1993 World Games for the Deaf in Bulgaria, shares one of the team’s most unusual experiences. To their shock, smoking was completely accepted on the Bulgarian airline – passengers, air hostesses, and even the pilot were lighting up! With smoke drifting throughout the cabin on the long-haul flight, it made for an extremely uncomfortable journey.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Part 2: Bulgaria on a Budget – The NZ Deaf Team’s Wild Discoveries

Jeff Went continues recounting the team’s time in Bulgaria, where they discovered just how cheap everything was – a loaf of bread and a pack of cigarettes both cost just 20 cents! He recalls his surprise at being handed a thick wad of cash for additional expenses and the challenge of carrying it around. The team also faced another shock – arriving at a swimming pool filled with murky green water! Thankfully, the issue was resolved, and later, Jeff had to accompany an athlete for an audiological test as part of the Games.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Part 3: Marathon Struggles & a Race Against Time to Get Home!

In the final part of the series, Jeff wraps up the New Zealand team’s experience in Bulgaria. The marathon team was frustrated with the poor state of the roads and the air quality, which made conditions difficult. On their journey home, the team nearly faced another hurdle – after their first flight was delayed, they worried they’d miss their Qantas connection. Fortunately, their plane was held back, ensuring they made it home in the end!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

The Mighty Kiwi: More Than Just a Mascot

The giant Kiwi mascot was a hit with crowds and delegates alike at the 1985 World Games for the Deaf. Carried proudly by the New Zealand Deaf team during team photos, ceremonies, and marches, it drew plenty of attention and added flair to the team’s presence. Tony Walton believes the mascot wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser – it also played a part in swaying CISS delegates to vote for New Zealand to host the 1989 Games. For Tony, strong promotion made all the difference. The beloved Kiwi mascot continued to feature at the 1989 Games and other Deaf sporting events, becoming a symbol of national pride and team spirit.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

A Small Kiwi, A Big NZ Symbol

Pam Croskery shares memories of the Kiwi mascot used by the NZ Deaflympics team. Each player had a small kiwi to trade or pose with in photos. A larger mascot was used for team photos and marches. For many, the kiwi sign made New Zealand instantly recognisable, even if they did not know the official sign. Pam traded her small kiwi for a Canadian bear at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. The large mascot was last seen with the NZ team at the 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne.