Teen cyclist wins national award

Nicholas Brockelbank (13) walked across the stage at last night’s Attitude Awards – no small feat for someone with Muscular Dystrophy, who needed a wheelchair.
 
The Cambridge teen won the Junior Award at the 2015 Attitude Awards on December 3, the UN sanctioned ‘International Day of People with Disability’.
 
The national awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of Kiwis living with a disability. This year’s winners (subs note: full list of winners below) were announced at a black tie gala held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre and hosted by television news presenter Simon Dallow.
 
The Awards have grown out of the Attitude TV series which screens on TV ONE on Sunday mornings at 8:30AM. The overall Attitude ACC Supreme Award was won by teenager Muskan Devta (16).
 
Chair of the Attitude Trust Dan Buckingham says the Awards are about celebrating outstanding achievements across what is a broad and diverse sector of society.
 

Nicholas Brockelbank accepts Junior Award. Photo courtesy of Trio Communications

“Last night we celebrated winners across eight different categories, with awards for art, community and sporting achievements. It was such a difficult process to determine the winners as all of the 24 finalists were absolutely fantastic in their own right. It is a privilege to be able to tell all of their stories and celebrate their successes,” says Buckingham.
 
Nic was nominated for an Attitude Award last year too, in recognition of his foodie fundraising. He’s written two cookbooks (Nic’s Cookbook and Nic’s Lunchbox) and donates half of the royalties to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
 
His philanthropic efforts continued into 2015, but this time Nic switched his focus from whisking up treats to cycling up hills. The result: Nic no longer needs his wheelchair and can walk to school with his friends.
 
Nic began by cycling only short distances which left him puffed and quite sore, but over months of training he worked his way up to tackle longer, steeper rides.
 
Nic then set his sights on riding in the REV 120 Intro category – an 18km event. After months of hard slog (even training with a broken ankle) he crossed the finish line. Nic was one of the youngest riders in the category and the top fundraiser at the event, raising $1610 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
 
The Junior Award is sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson. Peter Thompson, Managing Director, says Barfoot & Thompson is honoured to be associated with Nic as a talented chef, published author and cyclist.
 

Cameron Leslie, Nicholas Brockelbank and Paula Thompson. Photo courtesy of Trio Communications

“Nicholas, you are an inspiration to us all we wish you all the very best with your future endeavours,” he says.
 
Other Attitude Award winners are Otis Horne (Courage in Sport), Nick Chisholm (Spirit of Attitude), Rachel Callander (Making a Difference), Michael Johnson (Sport Performer of the Year), CQ Hotels Wellington (ACC Employer Award) and Salem Foxx (Artistic Achievement). Gary Williams was inducted into the Attitude Hall of Fame and Sean Prendeville won the Attitude People’s Choice Award.
 
Chief Executive of ACC Scott Pickering says ACC is proud to be principal sponsor of the awards for the eighth year.
 
“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.”
 
Other sponsors supporting the Awards include: Invacare, Westpac, Drake Medox, Ministry of Health, IHC Foundation, Air New Zealand, Lion Foundation and the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust.