Medal: 21st Summer Deaflympics, Taipei 2009

The medal memorabilia from Taiwan was donated to Manawatu Deaf Society by Annette Hansen, a life member of the Club. She attended the Taipei Deaflympics as the Chef de Mission for the New Zealand Deaflympics team. The country sent 5 athletes – Daniel Carruthers (cycling), Alex Field (swimming), Michael Lynch (karate), Emma Paton (table tennis), Kerry Titcombe (karate).

Annette was an Executive member of Deaf Sports Federation of New Zealand. She was also a Team Manager for the New Zealand team attending the Australian Deaf Games in Queensland 2008 (Gold Coast) and Geelong in Victoria 2012.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

From Supporter to Secretary: Shona McGhie’s NZDSA Story

Shona McGhie shares how she became involved with the NZ Deaf Sports Association after attending the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln as a supporter. Inspired, she accepted an invitation from Norman to observe an NZDSA executive meeting. They were looking for a new secretary, as Margaret Coutts had joined the organising committee for the 1989 Games. Shona was nervous but took on the role. She worked with basic green-and-black screen computers, fax machines, and letters. It was a demanding period, especially with the 1989 World Deaf Games ahead. Shona stayed in the role until 1996.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Michael Lynch

Karate Comeback: Gold for Michael in Taipei

Michael Lynch reflects on his second sporting career, returning to karate after swimming and competing at his second Deaflympics in Taipei 2009. There, he took part in the men's over 84kg Kumite and won gold. This brought his Deaflympics medal count to three, having previously earned two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly at Christchurch 1989.