16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch

1989 •

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

The 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch was opened on 7th January 1989 by the CISS President and the Chairman of the Organising Committee. There were four thousand spectators waving flags in the air when the 1,400 athletes and officials marched around the stadium in their teams. Johannes Ooteman was flag-bearer for the New Zealand team.

The 16th World Games for the Deaf took place in Christchurch from 7-17 January 1989, the first time it had been hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.

Penny Went, a New Zealand badminton player, takes the oath on behalf of the athletes, while Peter Downie, the coach for New Zealand women’s basketball team, takes the officials’ oath.

After the opening ceremony, footage is shown of cycling, wrestling and athletic events, with a medal ceremony for the women’s 100m sprint event, in which USA placed first and second, with Germany coming third.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Four Deaflympics: From Judo to Wrestling to Sumo

Milton competed in four Deaflympics before retiring at age 48. His first was in 1989, but he represented Australia instead of New Zealand. He was ineligible to play for NZ under a rule that required six months of residency. Though disappointed, he went on to win gold in the 90 to 100 kg wrestling division. His background in judo helped him succeed. Toward the end of his career, he also gave sumo a go and earned a bronze medal.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Inspired by Robert Algie: Milton’s Wrestling Journey

Milton, who competed in four Deaflympics, credits Robert Algie as a major influence on his wrestling career. He was inspired after watching Robert win two silver medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the 1981 World Deaf Games. Milton began training in Auckland but only started competing after moving to Australia. He fondly recalls crossing paths with Robert at a 1985 competition in Melbourne, and watching his rise to the 1986 Commonwealth Games and qualification for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which he sadly had to withdraw from after a cancer diagnosis. Milton later visited Robert’s grave in Featherston and remains grateful for the inspiration that shaped his sporting journey.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.

Jennifer Brain (Shearer)

Jennifer Brain (Shearer)

Jerald Jordan

John (Johannes) Ooteman

John (Johannes) Ooteman

Ken Brain

Margaret Coutts

Margaret Coutts

Megan Mansfield

Megan Mansfield

Penny Went (Clements)

Penny Went (Clements)

Peter Downie

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Relevant Links

Taonga source:

Manawatu Deaf Society

Produced by:

Joan Bailey

Original format:

5" 8mm

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, MDS09-01-SPO89

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.