Opening ceremony of the VX World Games for the Deaf

1985 •

New Zealand sends 30 athletes to the 15th World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles, with footage of the opening ceremony. The flagbearer for New Zealand was John Ooteman, with Susie Ovens carrying the kiwi mascot. The Gallaudet Dance Company also put on a performance. Footage shows a fly by with a sign saying ‘WELCOME WORLD GAMES FOR THE DEAF’.

The Opening Ceremony of the 15th World Games for the Deaf in California, 10-20 July 1985. The Games were hosted by the American Association of the Deaf. 29 nations attended with a total of 994 athletes. It was due to economic reasons, not political, that several Eastern Bloc countries including Russia withdrew at the last minute from the 15th World Games for the Deaf.

The flagbearer for New Zealand was John Ooteman, with Susie Ovens carrying the kiwi mascot. The Gallaudet Dance Company put on a performance. Footage shows a fly by with a sign saying ‘WELCOME WORLD GAMES FOR THE DEAF’.

New Zealand finished the World Games for the Deaf in California with a gold in cycling (John Ooteman) and a gold (Janet Watt, Carolyn Hamlin) and silver in badminton doubles (Pam Croskery, Penny Went) – their best result ever.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Back to Auckland?! The Detour No One Expected

Susie’s trip to the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles didn’t go quite to plan. After taking off on a late-night flight, a flight attendant casually mentioned they were heading back to Auckland. Susie thought it was a joke – until she saw the Auckland sign out the window. The Deaf basketball boys had spotted flames coming from one of the engines. Everyone stayed calm, and the group spent the night at a hotel on Campbell Road (now a retirement village) before flying out the next day via Hawaii. A longer trip than expected – but definitely one to remember.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Fighting for 9th: New Zealand vs Canada at the World Deaf Games

In their final game at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, the New Zealand team was determined to finish on a high with a win against Canada. It was a closely fought, back-and-forth match, but New Zealand dug deep and came out on top – a result that made Coach Jeff Went proud of the team’s effort. While most of the players celebrated with a well-earned holiday in Hawaii, Jeff and Penny flew straight home to focus on caring for their young child after a full-on stretch in Los Angeles.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Bench: Coaching Deaf Basketball on the World Stage

Jeff Went reflects on his experience coaching the New Zealand Deaf men’s basketball team at the XV World Deaf Games in Los Angeles. The trip began with an unexpected twist when their flight turned back a few hours after take-off due to engine trouble. From grabbing McDonald’s on arrival in LA to settling into life at Pepperdine University in scenic Malibu, the team took it all in stride – navigating the buzz of the opening ceremony and the long daily commutes to basketball practice. It was a journey full of challenges, highlights, and lasting memories.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

NZ Deaf Basketball Qualifies for 1985 World Deaf Games

In a thrilling comeback, the New Zealand’s Deaf men’s basketball team defeated Australia 72–68 to qualify for the XV World Games for Deaf in Los Angeles 1985. Coached by Aussie-born Jeff, who had just five days to prepare with the team, New Zealand overcame a rocky start and halftime deficit. After a fiery team talk, they rallied in front of a packed crowd – securing their ticket to Los Angeles just 10 months out!

Adrian Winterburn

Adrian Winterburn

Carolyn Berry (Hamlin)

Carolyn Berry (Hamlin)

Doug (Douglas) Croskery

Doug (Douglas) Croskery

Gerald Koat

Hayden Costar

Hugh Bosman

Janet Watt

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

John (Johannes) Ooteman

John (Johannes) Ooteman

John Lavell

John McRae

Jonathan Anton

Karen Coutts

Katrina Phillips

Katrina Phillips

Kay Drew

Kaz Witko

Kevin Lawrence

Lindsay (Lee) Bamford

Lindsay (Lee) Bamford

Malcolm Clausen

Malcolm Clausen

Margaret Coutts

Margaret Coutts

Martin Abela

Michael Rose

Morris Coutts

Murray Kirk

Noel Coventry

Pam Croskery (McCullough)

Pam Croskery (McCullough)

Paul Buzzard

Paul Scott

Penny Went (Clements)

Penny Went (Clements)

Richard Peri

Royce Flynn

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Terry (Terence) Kane

Terry (Terence) Kane

Terry Siviter

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Tony McGill

Troy Parnell

Wayne Andersen

Relevant Links

Deaflympics

Taonga source:

Tony Walton

Original format:

VHS

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, TW02-01-SPO85

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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DEAF GAMES

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