As The CiaO Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re catching up with some of the incredible ambassadors, grant recipients and partners who have been part of our journey over the past decade.
First up is long-standing CiaO Ambassador, Rob Tarr, one of the most respected figures in British wheelchair rugby. A three-time Paralymian, former Great Britain captain and now Head of Coaching Programmes for World Wheelchair Rugby, Rob has dedicated his life to developing the sport and inspiring others to achieve their potential.
In 2017, CiaO was proud to award Rob a grant towards a lightweight wheelchair, enabling him to continue coaching at the highest level. Nine years on, Rob reflects on how that single grant helped shape the next chapter of his remarkable journey…
The Gift That Changed My Journey
“In 2017, I was incredibly fortunate to receive a grant from The CiaO Foundation to purchase a new lightweight wheelchair. At the time, it wasn’t simply a piece of equipment; it was an opportunity. It gave me the mobility, independence and confidence to continue supporting the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby programme as we embarked on our journey towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Over the following years, our coaching team and athletes travelled the world, competing against the best nations as we prepared for what would become the biggest challenge of our careers. Every training camp, every tournament and every mile travelled was made possible because I had the right equipment to do my job.
Then the world changed.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sport across the globe, and just three weeks before the Paralympic Games I contracted COVID myself. I was devastated to learn I could not travel to Japan with the team after years of preparation.
However, the incredible GB coaching staff ensured I was still part of the team. Through a live-stream connection, I was able to coach remotely from my home in the UK, working alongside my fellow coaches throughout the tournament. Against all the odds, we made history by winning Great Britain’s first-ever Paralympic wheelchair rugby team gold medal.
Following my recovery, new opportunities and new challenges followed. I had the privilege of coaching the Great Britain Low Point squad to its first-ever World Games gold medal in Alabama, before helping lead the Great Britain Women’s team to its first international gold medal at the Paris Cup.
Today, my focus has expanded beyond coaching teams. I now work with World Wheelchair Rugby, educating and mentoring coaches across the globe, helping to develop the sport in emerging nations and giving others the knowledge and confidence to transform lives through wheelchair rugby.
When I look back, I realise that none of these achievements would have been possible without the support I received from The CiaO Foundation. Their generosity did far more than provide me with a new wheelchair; it gave me the freedom to travel, coach, inspire and help countless athletes and coaches achieve their own ambitions.
Success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every medal, every milestone and every life changed are people who quietly make those opportunities possible.
I will always be deeply grateful to The CiaO Foundation for believing in me and helping me continue a journey that has allowed me to support others in reaching their own dreams. Their investment in one wheelchair has created opportunities that have reached athletes, coaches and wheelchair rugby communities across the world.
Thank you for helping me meet my own challenges so that I could help others achieve theirs.”
Rob Tarr PLY, WWR Head of Coaching Programmes.
Rob’s story perfectly captures what The CiaO Foundation aims to achieve. The wheelchair funded by CiaO in 2017 not only enabled Rob to continue his own coaching career, but has also helped him support Paralympic champions, develop future generations of coaches and athletes and grow the sport of wheelchair rugby around the world.
As we celebrate 10 years of CiaO, we’re incredibly proud to have played a small part in Rob’s inspiring journey and grateful for his continued support as a CiaO Ambassador. Thank you, Rob, for your letter and everything you continue to do to champion disability sport and inspire others to overcome challenges and achieve their ambitions.
Are you a previous beneficiary? If so, we’d love to hear from you too. Please share any updates since receiving your grant and leave a comment for CiaO as we celebrate our 10th Year by using this link: https://www.ciaofoundation.com/previous-beneficiary-check-in/ or by emailing Nugmais, Charity Manager, at info@ciaofoundation.com
