Auckland Deaf Society Basketball Club: Waitemata Basketball Assn – Winter 'B' Grade Championship, 1980 — SignDNA

Auckland Deaf Society Basketball Club: Waitemata Basketball Assn – Winter ‘B’ Grade Championship, 1980

Auckland Deaf Society Basketball Club Games: 18 (Won 17, lost 1) For 816, Against 513. 1980 – O. Gibbons (Coach), T. Siviter (Capt), G. Howard (v/Capt), P. Murray, K. Brain, E. Klaver, B. Clews, P. Geddes, W. Katu.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Big Ears: The Story Behind the Auckland Elephant Mascot

John was the masseur for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team at the 1977 Labour Weekend tournament in Wellington. That year, Auckland won the Cunniffe Cup in a close match against Christchurch, 66 to 59. The team’s mascot was an elephant, a symbol of Deaf pride with its big ears and a long nose for shooting hoops. John remembers a tough game with constant injuries that kept him busy on the sidelines. He says Deep Heat saved the day!

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Vice-Captain on Court: John’s ADS Basketball Days

John recalls playing for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team, where he served as vice-captain. Their light blue singlets with white ADS letters and player numbers were handmade by Valerie Eaton, wife of Jim Eaton (team coach). The team played in the Mt Albert A league and pulled off a surprise win. They trained regularly on Thursday nights at the Club's Balmoral hall.