16th Annual NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch

1971
  • Deaf Sports
The Manawatu Deaf Club Athletic Team practice with coach Keith Gordon. This footage covers the athletic training session.
HomeVideos16th Annual NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch

With the NZ Deaf Sports Convention coming up in Christchurch, the Manawatu Deaf Club athletic team practice every Sunday morning, with Keith Gordon the coach of the team. This footage covers the athletic training session.

More than 200 Deaf people, many of them from different parts of New Zealand, met together in Christchurch during Labour Weekend 1971 for the eagerly-awaited 16th Annual Deaf Sports Convention. Not only did Christchurch make a great success of organising the sporting events, they made a great success of winning them. Athletics, indoor basketball, table tennis, badminton and indoor bowls – they won them all. They retained the Aotearoa Turi Shield for most points in all sports and one of their members, Janet Watt, won the Colin Kay Cup for the outstanding competitor.

On the Friday, there was a big crowd at Rugby Park to see Christchurch win the Oxspring Shield (athletics) which it lifted from Auckland who won it in the previous year.

Of most importance, however, was the fact that all those who attended the Convention must have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

A Sleepless Train Ride to and from Wellington for the Sports Convention

In 1972, Kevin played basketball for the Auckland Deaf Society at the Deaf Sports Convention in Wellington, where the team took home the Cunniffe Cup. The Auckland group travelled by overnight train, with one carriage packed full of Deaf people. Sleep was scarce with constant chatting and playing with the lights. Alcohol was banned on trains at the time, but on the return trip on Monday night, a friend met them at Paekākāriki and dropped off a crate, which they secretly brought into the carriage!
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: 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: 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.
Taonga source:
Manawatu Deaf Society
Produced by:
Joan Bailey
Original format:
7" 8mm
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, MDS03-01-SPO71
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.