Guiding the Badminton Team: Jonathan’s Role at Melbourne 2005
Jonathan served as the Badminton Team Manager for the New Zealand Deaflympics Team at the 2005 Games in Melbourne, supported by coach Neil Climo. He shares how he stepped into the role and managed a wide range of responsibilities – even small but important details like ensuring consistent uniform use. While he wasn’t a competitor, one of the highlights for Jonathan was joining the team during practice sessions, staying connected to the game and helping wherever he could behind the scenes.
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.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery
From Los Angeles to Melbourne: Pam’s Four-Time Deaflympics Career
Pam Croskery represented New Zealand in badminton at four World Deaf Games and Deaflympics, from Los Angeles 1985 to her final appearance in Melbourne 2005. It was a long and proud career. Sadly, her last event ended with an injury. During a singles match, she slipped on a wet floor and sprained her ankle. The court had been used for men’s singles earlier, and Pam suspects it was not dried properly. She was disappointed, believing she and Christine Ryder had a strong chance in doubles.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy
Four Deaflympics: From Judo to Wrestling to Sumo
Milton competed in four Deaflympics before retiring at age 48. His first was in 1989, but he represented Australia instead of New Zealand. He was ineligible to play for NZ under a rule that required six months of residency. Though disappointed, he went on to win gold in the 90 to 100 kg wrestling division. His background in judo helped him succeed. Toward the end of his career, he also gave sumo a go and earned a bronze medal.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery
Doug’s Final Deaflympics: One of the Oldest, Still on Top in NZ!
Doug has competed in three Deaflympics – 1985 in Los Angeles, 1989 in Christchurch, and his final one in 2005 in Melbourne. At nearly 50 years old, he was one of the oldest athletes there and copped a bit of teasing. When people asked why he still played, he simply said no one in New Zealand could beat him! Doug was the top-ranked Deaf male badminton player in the country and had tried facing different opponents at the NZ Deaf Games, but won easily every time.
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.
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: Milton Reedy
Inspired by Robert Algie: Milton’s Wrestling Journey
Milton, who competed in four Deaflympics, credits Robert Algie as a major influence on his wrestling career. He was inspired after watching Robert win two silver medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the 1981 World Deaf Games. Milton began training in Auckland but only started competing after moving to Australia. He fondly recalls crossing paths with Robert at a 1985 competition in Melbourne, and watching his rise to the 1986 Commonwealth Games and qualification for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which he sadly had to withdraw from after a cancer diagnosis. Milton later visited Robert’s grave in Featherston and remains grateful for the inspiration that shaped his sporting journey.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went
Davos 1999: The Battle to Host the 2005 Deaflympics
At the 14th Winter World Games for the Deaf in Davos, Switzerland, 1999, an important vote was taking place. CISS delegates were deciding who would host the 2005 Deaflympics: Slovakia or Australia. New Zealand, along with other Asian nations, was urged to attend and back Australia’s bid. The event also marked the 75th anniversary of CISS, adding to the significance of the occasion. Representing Deaf Sports New Zealand, Jeff Went and Lyneen Allen were there to witness it all. Watch to find out what unfolded in Davos!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Ruth Jessep
Ruth Jessep’s First Deaflympics: A Ten Pin Challenge
Ruth talks about making it onto the New Zealand Deaflympics team for the first time as a tenpin bowling player and team captain. While in Melbourne in 2005, she had a bad fall which made the doubles events a struggle, but she refused to give up. Ruth found the competition tough, especially against teams from the USA, Sweden, Canada, and Norway. Despite the challenges, she says it was a huge learning experience.
