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A mountain of a man

By Sam McMillan


‘I don’t want to be remembered just for having the disability....I would like to be remembered more for the person I was and my sense of humour and how I handled the disability.’ This quote sums up Gary Endacott, a hard shot who has used his contagious sense of humour and his dogged determination to make the most of his disability of Cerebral Palsy.

Having a disability myself, Gary has been a great mentor and inspiration to me while being my disability advisor.

His many accomplishments include climbing one of the world’s best known mountains, competing in the New York Marathon four times, becoming a New Zealand and world disabled tennis champion, playing Rugby League, working for the Ministry of Education and giving motivational speeches. He just recently went to Washington to receive a worldwide recognized award for the way he carries himself with his disability and strives for the best quality of life.

Gary has always seen life with the glass half full. When asked if he knew he was different as a child he said. “It’s not something that’s really bothered me to be honest, in saying that you know I'd rather not have the disability... My mother in particular prepared me for how to handle how things are going to be not how they should be.”

Gary is the disability advisor for the Ministry of Education. He mentors and guides young students with disabilities to fulfill their potential and prepare themselves for the world ahead. He is extremely passionate about the job.

His greatest achievement to date is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He achieved this great feat in 2001. 

Whether it is tennis, rugby league or petanque, Gary’s competitive nature and will to succeed always shines through. ‘One of the things I've found hard is not knowing how good I would've been at something on an even playing field.’

Gary Endacott has taken life by the horns. He is a great mentor and friend to me and his advice always hits the mark.