Pennant: Runners Up, Basketball, 29th N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention – Auckland 1984 — SignDNA

Pennant: Runners Up, Basketball, 29th N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention – Auckland 1984

A purple pennant presented to the Runners up in basketball at the 29^th N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention in Auckland 1984. Auckland Deaf Society won the Aotearoa Turi Shield that year. Peter Downie was the team’s basketball coach.

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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: John Mansell

Dressed to Represent at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention

John recalls how athletes travelling to Deaf Sports Conventions, such as the one in Christchurch in 1968, were required to dress formally, including wearing ties. Both athletes and supporters wore rosettes to show their club. These were removed during games but worn again afterward. On the final evening, swapping rosettes was a tradition. John still has a few at home.

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: 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.