16th World Games for Deaf – News Review segment

1989 •

News Review coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch 1989.

New Review covers the 16th World Deaf Games hosted in Christchurch 7-17 January 1989. The footage covers the opening and closing ceremonies, and selected sporting highlights from the games. 4000 people attended the opening ceremony, with 1400 athletes and officials. The biggest cheer was saved for the 113 members of the New Zealand team in black and white who marched in last. Two hours later, the first sport to take place since the opening of the Games was football between Holland and New Zealand.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Called Home to Win: NZ Shocks Australia at the Deaf Games

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Susie’s third WDG, but her first time representing New Zealand in Deaf women’s basketball. While on a working holiday in England, she got the call to return home and play. She said yes, thinking she’d head back afterwards – but she ended up staying in New Zealand! Named team captain, she faced the USA in their opening match. Nerves kicked in, and she was subbed off before finding her confidence and getting back on the court. Although the USA won, the real highlight came when New Zealand took on Australia, who had won bronze in 1985. It was a tough game – and New Zealand won 91–65! Everyone was shocked and thrilled. Truly unforgettable!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Michael Lynch

From Rookie to Medalist: Michael Lynch’s Inspiring Swimming Journey

Michael Lynch, a standout New Zealand Deaf representative at the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch, made waves by winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. In this video, he shares his journey – from learning to sign at 13 after moving to Auckland to representing New Zealand on the world stage by 18.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt

What it was like being the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team

Janet Watt was the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. She recalls being worried that each player had their own room at the university accommodation; how that would lead to more work for her (and eventually, silver and bronze for the team's players!).

Jerald Jordan

Jo Smith (Hussey)

Jo Smith (Hussey)

Megan Mansfield

Megan Mansfield

Patty (Noeline) Still

Patty (Noeline) Still

Penny Went (Clements)

Penny Went (Clements)

Peter Downie

Relevant Links

Taonga source:

Kerry Titcombe

Produced by:

News Review, Television New Zealand

Original format:

VHS

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, KT01-01-TV89

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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TVNZ coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf

Professional coverage of the first few days of sports at the 16th World Games for the Deaf held in Christchurch in January 1989. Events are covered in detail and presented by the News Review weekly round up.

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The educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to catch up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield, and understand how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.

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Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

CISS World Deaf Games Accreditation Card: Barbara Hazelwood, Team Manager, Basketball

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Christchurch WGD Men’s Basketball Final

Crowd based footage of the Men’s Basketball final at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, which USA won 127-56. This footage includes the warm up, edited highlights of the match, medal ceremony, team photos, and post-match socialising.

Rodney Roberts

Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Key Ring: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society

publication – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

New Zealand Deaf Sports Team: XVIth World Games for the Deaf

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video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch

Opening ceremony and events at the 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989.

Manawatu Deaf Society

video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

NZ vs Sweden Men’s Basketball at WGD in Christchurch

Edited crowd-shot footage of the men’s basketball heat at the World Games for the Deaf 1989, between New Zealand and Sweden. Sweden won the match 126-61.

Rodney Roberts

Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Bronze Medallists from Auckland Deaf Society: New Zealand Deaf Women’s Basketball Team

Auckland Deaf Society

video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

News Review: Ready, Set, Go!

Susan Thomas takes the reins at the studio this week on ‘News Review’. The team recaps footage from the World Games of the Deaf which wrapped up on the Tuesday before. Watch records being broken, and some footage of our Kiwi athletes in action!

Rodney Roberts

video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Latvian Love

Kiwi Shaun Ruffell and Latvian Indrai Ozolinai, both Deaf, meet again three years after meeting at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf (in Christchurch), during which time they have kept in touch through letters.

Television New Zealand Archive