Basketball finals pull in the crowds at the NZ Deaf Games, Christchurch 1987

1987
  • Deaf Sports
The popular basketball programme was hosted over two days at Cowles Stadium with footage coverage of the Manawatu and Christchurch ladies competing for the Otago Deaf Society Cup, which Manawatu won (19-15). The winner of the Cunliffe Memorial Cup (men’s) went to Christchurch, with the runner up Wellington (63-56).
HomeVideosBasketball finals pull in the crowds at the NZ Deaf Games, Christchurch 1987

The 32nd Annual New Zealand Games for the Deaf was hosted by Christchurch in 1987. The popular basketball programme was hosted over two days at Cowles Stadium (Friday 23rd October 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday 23rd October from 4:00pm to 9:00pm). Footage covers the last day of the match with Manawatu and Christchurch ladies competing for the Otago Deaf Society Cup, which Manawatu won (19-15). The winner of the Cunliffe Memorial Cup (men’s) went to Christchurch, with the runner up Wellington (63-56). Third place went to Hawkes Bay, with Auckland in fourth place.

Presentation and raffle prizes are announced at the end of the night. Dennis Tod was the Christchurch basketball delegate, and Peter Murray the basketball technical delegate.

The 32nd Annual NZ Games for the Deaf in Christchurch provided valuable experience for hosting the World Deaf Games to be held in Christchurch in January 1989. It also allowed for the selection of the New Zealand Deaf team. There would be no NZ Games for the Deaf in the following year – Labour Weekend 1988 – to allow athletes to prepare for the World Games for the Deaf in January 1989. The Aotearoa Turi Shield went to Christchurch. The Outstanding Sportsperson award went to Ricki Pointon (Wellington).

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:
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DSC03-02-SPO87
Note:
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