New Zealand wins Bronze in Swimming at the Asia Pacific Deaf Games

Taoyuan, Taiwan, 10th October 2015 – Santana Chapman (17) of the Coastal Wanderers Swimming Squad, Kapiti Coast, has won two Bronze Medals in the 50m and 200m Breaststroke at the 8th Asia Pacific Deaf Games in Taoyuan, Taiwan. These are New Zealand’s first ever medals at the Asia Pacific Deaf Games, which has attracted 1,500 athletes from 22 countries.

Santana has been supported by her family, Grant Campbell – Swimming Coach, and Daniel Harborne – President for Deaf Sports New Zealand. These Games have provided an opportunity for Santana to meet and compete with other Deaf and hard of hearing athletes. “Representing New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Deaf Games has been a great experience for me, being able to meet new friends, and of course to be able to come home with two Bronze Medals! All my hard work has paid off.”

Santana also recorded three new personal best times; 0.55 seconds off her 50m Breaststroke time to record 40.45, 0.90 seconds off her 100m Breaststroke to record 1:31.74, and 2.20 seconds off her 200m Breaststroke time to record 3:17.32.

The 8th Asia Pacific Deaf Games is Santana’s second international swimming meet, the first being the 22nd Summer Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013. She now has her sights set on the 2017 Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey.

Daniel Harborne, Deaf Sports New Zealand President, is looking forward to sending a strong New Zealand team to the Deaflympics. “We are excited to see Santana compete again at the 2017 Deaflympics in Turkey. We hope to have another successful New Zealand team, and bring home more medals”. 

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The NZFDC Paton Family Award is now open for nominations.

The Award is to recognise a Deaf or hard of hearing Secondary School Student who has attained the highest level in their chosen sport during the specific 12 month period ending end of School Term 3.

Nominations close on the 20th September 2015.

This link below will lead you to the information and the nomination forms.

NZFDC Paton Family Award for Sporting Excellence Nomination

Proposed changed to the New Zealand Deaf Games

The Deaf Sports New Zealand Executive Board are proposing some major changes to the New Zealand Deaf Games. We have created 7 video clips to explain the major changes to the New Zealand Deaf Games Bylaws.

You can read the DRAFT New Zealand Deaf Games ByLaws here.

Major points of difference are:

• Change of dates – Previously held during Labour Weekend, but proposed to be held at the End of January.
• Splitting the New Zealand Deaf Games into two sections:
  • Competition – Deaf Athletes only, competing in sports with a full National Associate Member for the Aotearoa Turi Shield points.
  • Social Grade – Open grade for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Hearing (CODA and Interpreters) athletes to compete in social sports.

If you wish to compare the DRAFT New Zealand Deaf Games Bylaws with the CURRENT New Zealand Deaf Games Bylaws, you can do this here.

We have plans to visit different towns and cities in New Zealand to give you an opportunity to have your say and give feedback on these changes. We will announce the dates soon.

7th International Deaf Lawn Bowls Championships

The New Zealand Deaf Lawn Bowls team is getting ready and finalising their plans to compete in the 7th International Deaf Lawn Bowls Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The dates for the event are from 28th August to 9th September 2015. The team will be flying out of Christchurch on the 25th August.

Team selected is:

Mens:

• Dennis Herrick
• Roy Williams
• John Lavell
• Paul Gillespie
• Roger Strong
• Barry Gernhoefer

Womens:

• Barbara Herrick
• Joan Richards
• Rae McKie
• Ngaire Doherty
• Ann Stronge
• Margaret Bailey
• Elaine Taylor

 

New Zealand Deaf Ten Pin Bowling Championships

Check out the two posters below for more information on the 2015 New Zealand Deaf Bowling Championships held in Christchurch this weekend.

Australian Deaf Games – Expressions of Interests

Deaf Sports New Zealand is now accepting Expressions of Interests for the Australian Deaf Games in January 2016.

Click on the image to fill out the form and send to info@deafsports.co.nz as soon as possible so we can start finalising the team to represent New Zealand.