Motivation and passion for the sport has wheelchair basketballer Taitum Brown on the right track

Training up to six days a week is paying off for wheelchair basketballer Taitum Brown

Taitum Brown is hoping to one day represent Australia at the Paralympics in wheelchair basketball. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

• Shine bright for Starlight
• Olivia aiming high

Practice makes perfect is a saying that Taitum Brown has truly taken to heart.

The 15 year old from Cambridge Park has only been playing wheelchair basketball for three years, but his commitment and drive to succeed in the sport has seen him quickly become one of the state’s best.

Taitum trains up to six days a week, both on the court and at home with strengthening exercises.

He plays for the NSW Blues Juniors and Men’s teams and in 2016 won gold in the Australian Wheelchair Basketball Junior Championships.

Taitum’s mum Jacqueline Talbot says his drive and passion for the sport will hopefully see him make it to the Paralympics.

Taitum trains up to six days a week to ensure he’s always improving.

“He’s very motivated.

“When he first started he couldn’t get the ball anywhere near the hoop and now he’s one of the main players. He picked it up really quick.

“He’s aiming for the Paralympics one day.”

Taitum is the latest nominee for the Penrith Press Local Sports Stars award.

The awards are on until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also an open-age Service To Sport category. “Your Local Club is proud to support this program, which shines a light on elite young athletes and the volunteers,” ClubsNSW chief executive Anthony Ball said.

NewsLocal would like to thank our partners Your Local Club — the NSW registered club industry, and Featherdale Wildlife Park for their support in 2018.

Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal