HomeObjectsFramed Pocket Patch: Auckland Deaf Ten Pin Bowling

Framed Pocket Patch: Auckland Deaf Ten Pin Bowling

This was the playing top of the Auckland Deaf Society Ten Pin Bowling team who played on Sundays at SuperStrike in Henderson weekly. It was also worn during the NZ Deaf Games competitions in 1990-1993.

  • Deaf Clubs
  • Deaf Sports

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Wearing Two Hats: Shona on Leading NZ Deaf Sports

Shona McGhie shares her experience in the 1980s and 90s juggling two roles. She was both Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and Administrator of the NZ Deaf Games. As Administrator, she ensured the host city met all requirements to run the Sports Convention smoothly. She organised meetings, AGMs, and worked closely with delegates on teams, rules, and bylaws. Shona held the role for three years, helping keep Deaf sport in New Zealand running strong.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

How Auckland’s Deaf Ten Pin Bowling Club Took Off

After a trip to Melbourne, Colleen was asked if there were any Deaf ten pin bowlers in Auckland. That question stuck with her. Once home, she placed an advertisement in the Auckland Deaf Club newsletter to gauge interest. Years earlier, she had bowled casually in New Lynn with a few Deaf friends but this time, the response exploded. Twenty-four Deaf bowlers signed up. They began holding regular Sunday competitions at the Lincoln Road bowling centre. Colleen’s love for the sport also took her overseas, representing New Zealand in tournaments across the USA, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Where NZSL Thrives: The Power of Deaf Sport Gatherings

Tony Walton reflects on the importance of the NZ Deaf Games, once called the Sports Convention, held every Labour Weekend. It was more than just sport. It brought Deaf people together to socialise and sign in NZSL. Local delegates organised the event, while NZDSA awarded the Player of the Year and Aotearoa Turi Shield. A proposal to make the Games biennial was first rejected but later accepted. Looking back, Tony wishes it had stayed annual.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

Ten Pin Bowling Joins the NZ Deaf Games

Ten pin bowling was first introduced to the New Zealand Deaf Games in 1988. Colleen explains how the Interclub ten pin competition works at the Games and how the NZDSA’s Dunedin Superstrike Most Outstanding Player is chosen. The top men's and women's players are each awarded the Coca Cola trophy.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Ruth Jessep

Ruth on Ten Pin Rivalries and Winning Streaks at the NZ Deaf Games

Ruth explains how the Tenpin Bowling competition at the NZ Deaf Games works, with games held every year over Labour Weekend. While playing for the Hawke’s Bay team, they had a strong run of wins and built solid momentum. That streak came to an end when Ruth moved to Auckland. There, the team often found themselves facing off with Christchurch, who played at a similar level and kept the competition intense!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Ruth Jessep

Ruth Jessep’s Long Game to Win the Overall High Series Shield

Ruth Jessep shares her journey to winning the Auckland Deaf Society’s Overall High Series (Scratch) Shield, a title she had been aiming for over several years. The competition runs across ten months, with monthly games and points adding up toward the shield. Ruth placed second at one point before finally winning in 2023. She describes herself as a dark horse, starting with a low handicap and aiming for a minimum score of 160, improving steadily from there.

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 141-O-ADS
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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