Gary
Endacott

Gary Endacott's story is inspirational, entertaining and humorous. He has faced up to the toughest challenge's life could throw at him, and has passed with flying colours!

Background

Gary's journey in life is an interesting one. At six months old, his parents were told that Gary had Cerebral Palsy and would never walk, he would spend his life in a wheelchair. The experiences that followed are truly inspirational.

He was taught to walk by his mother, by placing clothes pegs on the kitchen floor and having to step over them. Gary began walking after two years of this practice. He then went on to complete four New York Marathons, climb Mt Kilimanjaro and win Gold at the World Disabled Tennis Championships in Japan (Standing Division).

Accolades

- Awarded the MNZM for Services to People with Disabilities

- Ambassador for Koru Care Christchurch

- Inaugural winner of ˜The Peoples Choice Award' at the NZ Attitude Awards

- New Zealand Rugby League ˜Personality of the Year' award

- New Zealand Disabled Sportsperson of the year

- Sports Personality of the Year

- Corbett Ryan International Pathway Award (USA)

Current work

Gary is currently working for the Ministry of Education in Christchurch, his portfolio is working with children with disabilities, placing them in schools and workplaces.

Gary is also Vice Captain of the New Zealand Disabled Rugby League team. He is married to Shelley and has two sons Jesse and Josh.

Gary's life is all about attitude and the determination to achieve as many goals a possible. He never lets his disability stop his burning desire to succeed in life, and is passing this attitude on to the many young people he mentors.