Cody’s pulling on a black jersey

November 16, 2015

Cody’s pulling on a black jersey

Cody Everson (20) plays rugby for New Zealand’s elite national team – in a wheelchair.

The Christchurch sportsman is a finalist in the Courage in Sport category in the 2015 Attitude Awards. The national awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of Kiwis with a disability.

Cody was 15-years-old when he was tackled and fell awkwardly in a game of 1st XV rugby. He sustained a neck injury which caused tetraplegia, meaning he lost use of his legs and has limited movement in his hands.

After five months in rehabilitation at Burwood Hospital, Cody was determined to get back into sport. He started playing wheelchair rugby with the Canterbury Wheelchair Rugby Club in 2012.

Just two years later he was selected for the New Zealand Wheel Blacks wider training squad and in March 2015 Cody pulled on a black jersey for the first time playing against Australia in the Ken Snowden Cup. He’s since travelled with the team to Japan and Sydney for international tournaments.

“When I think back two and half years ago I was pretty slow. I’m way quicker now and have got myself a bit of a routine,” says Cody.

That routine includes training six days a week.

“Wheelchair rugby is nothing like rugby I used to play, but on the competitive side of things it’s exactly the same. You’re going out to win,” he says.

Cody is still an avid fan of rugby union and attends all the games he can in Christchurch.

Cody has shown immense determination, self-belief and courage to get to where he is. Playing wheelchair rugby has delivered massive benefits to every other aspect of his life and he’d encourage other people with disabilities to get involved in sport.

“You’ve just got to get out and do it. Playing sport puts my mind at ease – even just being around other people. Don’t exclude yourself and stay focused on the future,” says Cody.

Cody has recently bought his own home and is living with his two best mates. He’d like to head to broadcasting school next year, or take an accounting course.

Cody will find out if he has won at a black-tie gala on World Disability Day, December 3 at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

There are eight categories in the 2015 Attitude Awards: Courage in Sport, Spirit of Attitude, Making a Difference, Artistic Achievement, Youth, Junior, the Attitude ACC Employer Award and Sport Performer of the Year. The overall winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award is selected from the category winners and a People’s Choice winner and Hall of Fame inductee are also announced on the night.

Attitude Awards Trustee Dan Buckingham, a member of the Wheel Blacks, says: “It's always an exciting time here at Attitude as we find out who the finalists are and count down to the big night. The Awards reflect what Attitude is all about – sharing stories that prove people with disabilities can overcome adversity and achieve greatness, whether that be big or small.”

“We thank our fantastic family of sponsors who allow us to present the Attitude Awards year on year. Collectively we are changing people’s view of what is achievable when someone lives with a disability.”

Dan encourages everyone to visit AttitudeLive.com in early November to see short films of the finalists and to vote for the person most deserving of the ‘People’s Choice Award’.

The Courage in Sport Award is sponsored by Westpac. Sue Foley, Director Corporate Affairs says Westpac is incredibly proud to support for the Attitude Awards and the Courage in Sport category.

“This category recognises truly inspirational sportsmen and women who absolutely epitomise our Kiwi values – a ‘can do’ attitude and the bravery to aim high,” she says.

“The stories of this year’s incredible finalists are a reminder to us all of what can be achieved when you have the courage to dream. We wish them all the best of luck.”

Other sponsors supporting the Awards include: ACC, Drake Medox, Ministry of Health, Barfoot & Thompson, IHC Foundation, Air New Zealand, Lion Foundation, Invacare and the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust.

Chief Executive of ACC Scott Pickering says ACC is proud to be principal sponsor of the awards for the eighth year, including sponsorship of the Attitude ACC Employer Award and the Attitude ACC Supreme Award.

“The Attitude Awards shine a light on New Zealand’s unsung heroes. At ACC we’re delighted to support the Awards and to acknowledge New Zealanders who live life to the fullest, achieve their goals and provide role models to our community.”

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