Souvenir Cigarette Bowl: International Silent Games, brought back from New Zealand's first deaf athlete — SignDNA - Deaf National Archive New Zealand

Souvenir Cigarette Bowl: International Silent Games, brought back from New Zealand’s first deaf athlete

This cigarette bowl – a souvenir from the Milan International Silent Games in 1957 – was donated to Auckland Deaf Society by Olgerts Rublis, born in 1922. Olgerts competed in two sports at the Milan 1957 Games, in Milan, Italy from 25-30 August 1957 in athletics (15km race walk) and table tennis (singles).

This was at a time where there was no National Deaf Sport body that was affiliated to CISS. He was the first New Zealand Deaf athlete to participate in the Silent Games. It was not until 1963 that it was agreed by New Zealand Deaf Clubs and Societies to set up a National Deaf Sporting body, to control the N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, and to allow deaf people who are members of a recognised Deaf Club or Society representing Deaf people at an International Deaf Games, and that National Body would become affiliated to the CISS.

It was proposed in 1958 to proceed with the establishment of a National Deaf Sporting body but this was dashed by Waikato Deaf Club who preferred not to become incorporated. It finally proceeded in 1963.

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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: Terry Kane

The Rise of Table Tennis at Auckland Deaf Society

Terry Kane, one of ADS’s top-ranked table tennis players, shares how he got involved with the club. He recalls encouraging 26 players to join, with games played on 4 to 5 tables in the old Balmoral hall. It was a popular time, with strong fundraising and high participation. Terry remembers it as a wonderful period. He also talks about the Auckland Adult Deaf Society Challenge Cup, established in 1938, interclub competitions, open championships, and matches against hearing players at Waitemata.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

ADS Athletics: Oxspring Shield Wins and Unusual Coaching Tips

Terry Kane shares how he got involved with ADS athletics and their consecutive Oxspring Shield wins at the Sports Convention, alongside teammates like Noel Coventry and Michael Rose. He trained regularly on the roads and was often spotted running by Deaf drivers. He says he was as thin as a matchstick back then. A hearing coach joined later, and Terry learned a lot from him. One chilly morning, the coach told them to hug a tree to warm up. Terry laughed at first, but it actually worked. The Sports Convention kept him busy with a packed schedule of athletics and table tennis.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Donating the Doubles Trophies: Terry Kane’s Gift to ADS Table Tennis

Terry Kane shares how he donated two trophies to the ADS Table Tennis Club, one for men’s doubles and one for women’s doubles. The club held annual prizegivings to celebrate its players. As a former chairperson, Terry helped carry on the legacy of earlier leaders like the Seddons and players such as Rae McKie.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Ending the Streak: Terry’s Proud Table Tennis Memory

Terry Kane captained the ADS table tennis team at the 1985 Sports Convention in Napier, where they won the Men's Interclub Table Tennis Cup. He also ended an 11-year winning streak by defeating a long-dominant Christchurch player. Terry recalls spotting a weakness in his opponent’s game and using it to secure a very satisfying win!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Shot Put and Squash: Milton at the 1981 Sports Convention

Milton was part of the Oxspring Shield–winning Auckland team at the 1981 Sports Convention in Palmerston North. He competed in shot put and also gave squash a go that weekend, following in his father’s footsteps. In the squash final, he faced Robert Marquet, who won comfortably. Milton took the loss in stride and enjoyed the experience.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Table Tennis Drill Sessions That Paid Off

Top-seeded ADS table tennis players Terry Kane and Lyndon Malcolm were coached by a hearing man, Sonny Rivers. To improve their game, they trained several times a week. Terry recalls Sonny pushing them hard, especially with spin returns from the training machine. Over time, their technique improved, leading to wins against both hearing and Deaf opponents.

Olgerts Rublis

Relevant Links

Taonga source:

Auckland Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 485-O-ADS

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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