Better member, Nicola Wheten celebrated at National Awards in last Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire Awards.
Eastern’s own Nicola Wheten received acknowledgement and honours at this year’s Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire Awards, a ceremony that recognises the achievements of some of Wales’ most remarkable women.
On the night it was a real celebratory occasion that showcased the achievements of its finalists – remarkable women from all walks of life, who have made incredible differences to their own lives and the lives of others.
Nicola couldn’t have been aware when she started her fitness journey to lose weight and to become stronger that she would inspire so many women and young girls and be honoured with a Woman in Sport award – sponsored by Sport Wales.
Nicola began her inspirational journey a few years back whilst embarking on her fitness goals. Nicola saw an opportunity to organise her first charity boxing event as a way of raising money for her nephew who has infantile scoliosis and is being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Nicola led by example getting in the ring, and putting in the hard work. This is when Nicola discovered the buzz of boxing and the community the clubs create. Nicola was being pushed to achieve goals she didn’t think were possible and realised a dream that could become reality.
One of Nicola’s dreams is have more females becoming members of boxing clubs, she wants them to feel as strong as she and discover a sense of belonging and a new life purpose.
Nicola qualified as a Level 2 Fitness Instructor and a Welsh Amateur Boxing Association coach and was offered the opportunity of running her own club and implementing her dreams alongside Head Coach Carl Stephens at Apollos, Pentwyn and Llanederyn ABC.
Nicola’s influence and passion at Apollos ABC has attracted amazing females with different types of energy to the club with members coming from varying parts of society, pulling in many of the most vulnerable young people off the streets and made them heroes in their own lives.
At Apollos ABC Nicola has also had the privilege of being able to create Female Focused sessions where women come to increase their overall well-being, fitness, develop a sense of belonging and for some pave a beautiful path of self-discovery.
Nicola says;
“I am not your typical looking fitness instructor.
I have curves and wobbly bits.
But I know, through feedback, that this has also encouraged many women in particular to take that step out of their comfort zone and embrace all that they are and work on their areas of need with our help.
With women supporting women and the magic that creates, I have now qualified two members so far who are now part of my coaching team. And I will continue to work to empower these females whether they are coming to us to work on areas such as self-worth; self-confidence; to work on fitness and wellbeing; mental health; are domestic abuse survivors, or just to feel included in something great.
If I can help one female design a more purposeful roadmap in their life which can help create clarity of their worth in this world, then I will do so to the best of my ability.”
A massive congratulation goes out to Nicola from the whole of Team at Eastern and your fellow Better members for achieving such a prestigious accolade and recognition, Woman in Sport award – sponsored by Sport Wales.
If you have an inspirational story to tell please contact Team Eastern at Eastern@gll.org