Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen
2025 •
- Deaf Sports
Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
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Taonga source:
Jeff Went
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, JWADS-01-STO25
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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This item has been compressed and/or edited.
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1989
article – Taonga source: NZPA
Games Open In Bright Display
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1989
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts
Souvenir Pennant: 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989
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1989
article – Taonga source: The Press
Advertisement: 120,000 cheers
National Provident is proud to be the sole sponsor of the New Zealand team contesting the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.
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1989
article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star
Action in the World Games for the Deaf basketball tournament at Cowles Stadium
New Zealand was beaten by Australia in the basketball at Cowles Stadium today, 76-63. The New Zealand captain, Tony McGill, put the first points on the board with an impressive three pointer but the Kiwis could not keep the pressure on.
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1989
article – Taonga source: The Press
Strong medical presence
The 1400 officials and competitors at the World Deaf Games will be well attended by a large group of medical doctors, St John Ambulance officers, physiotherapists, podiatrists and masseurs. Drug and gender tests will also be a part of the workload.
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biography
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Anthony ‘Tony’ Walton (CNZM)
Tony received the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 for his services to the Deaf community. Tony has had a broad involvement in many areas of the Deaf community, having been President of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and successfully hosting the World Deaf Games in 1989.
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1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Bottle Opener: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association
NZSL Stories
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
NZ vs Sweden Men’s Basketball at WGD in Christchurch
Edited crowd-shot footage of the men’s basketball heat at the World Games for the Deaf 1989, between New Zealand and Sweden. Sweden won the match 126-61.
NZSL Stories
1989
article – Taonga source: The Press
World Games for the Deaf: Saturday 14 January 1989
A full page update from The Press, on the results from the World Games for the Deaf - Saturday 14 January. Smith smashes record; Medal prospects; Basketball chance; Fast Swimming; Close tennis final.
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1989
publication – Taonga source: Shona McGhie
VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989
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1987
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
‘Spot On’ visits a Deaf basketball training session
The educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to catch up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield, and understand how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.
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