‘Spot On’ visits a Deaf basketball training session

1987 •
  • Deaf Sports
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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Reporter Ole Maiava, from the educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to see how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.

Ole catches up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield about their experiences in Deaf sports – as a referee, and as an interpreter, as well as with Carol on her experiences being hearing and refereeing Deaf basketball games.

The teams are training for the upcoming World Games for the Deaf, in January 1989, which will be hosted in Christchurch.

Royce shares that the 45 teams coming in from overseas for the World Games for the Deaf are each bringing their own interpreters who will be using their native sign languages. Royce shares his hopes for having more interpreters in New Zealand, as the numbers are still too low. Megan adds that to counter this, they are training some people to become ‘interpreters’ for the duration of the Games in Christchurch.

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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: 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.
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: John Mansell

Part 1: John’s First Whistle – A Deaf Ref Takes the Field

John shares how he got into rugby league refereeing after approaching a ref at his local Glenora Bears club, where he used to play. His first game was in Manurewa, and both teams were told in advance that the referee was deaf. The match was even filmed, with none other than the Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, watching from the sidelines keeping a close eye on John. He rose to the challenge. John used clear, sharp signals and wasn’t afraid to use his voice to keep the game moving. He even added some of his own flair – a bold “I’ve had enough!” gesture. He got a big thumbs up from the Mad Butcher and was later picked to referee the final of the season. That same year, he was also given an award for his refereeing.
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: 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: Janet Watt

Teaching sign language in preparation for the Christchurch 1989 World Deaf Games

Once New Zealand was awarded the host of the XVIth World Deaf Games at Los Angeles 1985, there was a realisation that sign language classes needed to commence in preparation for Christchurch 1989.
Eric Coppage
Eric Coppage
Hugh Penman
Hugh Penman
Karim Baradi
Karim Baradi
Kevin Stokes
Kevin Stokes
Malcolm Clausen
Malcolm Clausen
Mark Rerekura
Mark Rerekura
Megan Mansfield
Megan Mansfield
Michael Collett
Michael Collett
Paul Buzzard
Paul Buzzard
Paul Gillespie
Paul Gillespie
Paul Scott
Paul Scott
Royce Flynn
Royce Flynn
Tony Currie
Tony Currie
Tony McGill
Tony McGill

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Television New Zealand Archive
Original format:
VIDEOTAPE 1-inch COLOUR FORMAT C VIDEOTAPE VHS CASSETTE
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, TVNZ11-01-SPO87
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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