The Paralympics is the peak event for any sports enthusiast. You need grit, determination and a commitment to give up hours of free time to train every week. 23-year-old Taishar Ovens, who’s undertaking an internship at VisAbility, has been selected to represent Australia and compete in the 1.0 Wheelchair Basketball category at the Tokyo Paralympics.
“Wheelchair basketball classification is based on an individual’s capacity. I’m in Class 1, so I have the highest level of impairment, with 4.5 being the lowest level,” explains Taishar.
“My training schedule this year has been busy. In January, I was at the Australian Institute of Sport (link opens in new window) in Canberra. I was back there in March. In April I trained in Queensland and then more trials in Canberra in May and June – before final selection.”
Traineeship within our Disability Employment Services
Taishar was offered a traineeship position at VisAbility’s CoAct Disability Employment Services in April 2021. She’s the first point of contact for new clients, answering calls and undertaking administrative duties. It’s a part-time role, so she can continue with her training.
“I’m good at organising others. I’m pretty fast with technology and like meeting people, so it matches my skill set.”
Taishar – VisAbility’s CoAct trainee
Taishar has an impressive list of qualifications for this internship post including a Cert III in Events. She also has Cert III and Cert IV in Fitness. Up until recently, she was a CrossFit coach at a gym in Cockburn.
Taishar’s weekly training schedule
Taishar trains for twelve hours each week, both on the court and lifting weights in a gym. Her coach is Brad Ness – an Australian wheelchair basketballer and a past Paralympian gold and silver medal holder.
“Brad’s amazing and a great motivator. He’s steered me to success at an international level, so now he’s pushing me towards the Paralympics.”
Taishar was born with scoliosis. In 2008 she had corrective surgery, but had a spinal stroke which left her paralysed.
She spent six weeks in the Princess Margaret Hospital and then a further six months rehabilitating at home. Her baby sister, Sophie, was born in 2009 and she told her mother that she’d walk again before her new sister could toddle. She got there, and Taishar now walks short distances, as well as using a wheelchair.
Dedicated to wheelchair basketball
Taishar was invited to try wheelchair basketball while she was still at school.
“I tried it and realised I enjoyed it. It’s liberating because it’s fast-paced and a sport where you use your hands, not your feet. It certainly gets your adrenaline going.”
“Wheelchairs can be very expensive. I’ve just moved across from an aluminium one to a titanium one. It’s lighter and more compact. The axles at the front enable a better spin.”
Taishar lives with a friend in Manning and her pet dog – Beau – a border collie cross. She says her social life is pretty non-existent at the moment because she’s training so hard.
“Life is pretty hectic. I’d like to get a place in the Paralympic basketball Wheelchair team, but I’m a realist. I’m only 23, there’s always Paris in 2024.”
Taishar – VisAbility’s CoAct trainee
If you’re in the building, come and say hello to Taishar while she’s undertaking her internship.
How to get support
Our Disability Employment Services is run in conjunction with CoAct. Please complete the form below to make an initial enquiry about our employment services and support we can provide. Our Client Experience Team will contact you to discuss your individual needs both now and into the future.