Robin Tarr PLY has represented Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby in every major event, including 3 Paralympic Games, 3 World games and 3 European Championships culminating in the captaincy in Athens 2004.
In 1981 Robin Tarr was involved in a devastating road traffic accident, he was thrown through a car window screen breaking his neck on impact and severing his spinal cord. Rob was rushed to a spinal unit in Sheffield and told the agonising news that “He would never walk again”.
During the next 9 months stay in hospital he faced many medical complications. He then started the long road to recovery, coming to terms with paralysis and learning to adapt to a life confined to a wheelchair.
1989 a new game was developed in Canada for cervical injuries called Murderball (later to be changed to Wheelchair Rugby). A copy of the basic rules where sent over to England and a team came over from Canada to Stoke Mandeville to put on an exhibition game. This was to be a turning point in Rob’s life; the hard-hitting team sport was just what he had been looking for, a game consisting of rugby, basketball and ice hockey rules.
In 1991 a Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Team was established and he was selected to go and represent his country in Toronto Canada. Since then Rob has represented Great Britain in every major event, including 3 Paralympic Games, 3 World games and 3 European Championships culminating in the captaincy in Athens 2004.
Every athlete faces tough times, whether it’s injury, defeat, or personal challenges. In this talk, our athletes open up about the adversity they have experienced and how they found the strength to bounce back. Pupils will learn about the importance of resilience, determination, and staying positive in difficult situations. These are valuable lessons they can use in school, sport, and life.
What makes a team truly successful? Our athletes reveal the secrets behind high performing teams, whether it is a sports squad, a relay team, or a support network behind the scenes. They share how trust, clear roles, good communication, and a shared goal lead to outstanding results. Pupils will learn how these lessons apply not just in sport, but in school groups, projects, and friendships too.
Sport, like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. In this talk, our athletes reflect on times they have faced change, setbacks, or uncertain futures, from injuries to last-minute selections and global events like the pandemic. Pupils will hear honest, uplifting advice about how to stay calm, positive, and adaptable when life doesn’t go to plan.
The Paralympic Games are a celebration of determination, talent, and breaking down barriers. In this talk, our Paralympians and para-athletes share their incredible journeys, highlighting the power of resilience, inclusion, and the human spirit. Pupils will hear how these athletes have overcome challenges, changed perceptions, and achieved greatness on the world stage, inspiring everyone to believe in what is possible.
Reaching the top in sport takes more than talent. It requires leadership and performing at your very best when it matters most. In this talk, our athletes share how they prepare to deliver under pressure, lead by example, and bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Pupils will learn how strong leadership, focus, and self-belief can help them achieve their own peak performance in school, sport, and life.
Success in sport and life starts with the right mindset. In this talk, our athletes explore how having a positive, focused, and growth-orientated mindset has helped them face challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay motivated. Pupils will leave inspired to believe in themselves and approach obstacles with confidence.
Rob Tarr brings a breath of fresh air to School Assemblies. He has a friendly, down to earth manner that immediately engages students whatever their age. From him you learn about the incredibly exciting world of wheelchair rugby- (be warned he does come with incredible video footage!); you learn about the world of the Paralympian, and the dedication, hard work and sheer determination that is required to progress and be successful.
Rob is reliable, genuine and presents in relaxed manner so the students gain an in-depth appreciation of the sport of Wheelchair Rugby and the range of contemporary issues surrounding it. Any audience will be intrigued by the insight Rob develops into this exciting Paralympic Sports. Along the way he is also excellent at providing direct and indirect understanding into the challenges of living with his specific impairment through the social model of disability.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
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Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
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020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
