Game On: Nathan finds confidence and connection through sport
For Nathan Taylor, sport has never been about doing things the same way as everyone else. It's about finding a way to be involved, having fun and continuing to challenge himself.
Born 12 weeks early, Nathan lives with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus following a significant brain bleed at birth. Now 17, he has faced more than ten brain surgeries due to shunt complications and, after further surgical challenges resulted in a significant leg length difference, now uses a wheelchair full-time.
“It’s been a challenge living with cerebral palsy,” Nathan says. “But it’s also shaped who I am.”
Through it all, one thing has remained constant - his determination to keep living life to the fullest.
Growing up with a love of sport
Raised in a sports-loving family alongside his two brothers, Nathan was always surrounded by sport.
“By watching sports on TV and my brothers play, I wanted to try it myself,” he says.
His mum, Sharlene, says the family always encouraged Nathan to have a go and adapted activities so he could participate in ways that worked for him.
That support, combined with opportunities available through Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke's Bay (DSRHB), has helped Nathan continue to enjoy sport and remain active, even as his physical abilities have changed over time.
Finding belonging at the Halberg Games
Since he starting competing in 2021 Nathan has looked forward to attending the Halberg Games, New Zealand's largest sports festival for young people with physical disabilities.
“This is one of the big events I look forward to most,” he says.
Over the years, Nathan has competed in swimming, boccia, basketball and wheelchair races, returning to sports he loves and embracing new experiences along the way.
“It’s been more challenging over the last few years,” he admits. “I can’t participate in the same way as before. But sport is really important to me. I still enjoy it.”
For Nathan, one of the most special aspects of the Games is being surrounded by others who understand what it means to live with a disability.
“It was good to see I wasn’t the only one there with a disability,” he says. “There were lots of different sports I could try.”
He also appreciates the support provided by the many organisations and volunteers who make disability sport possible.
More than competition
For Nathan's mum, Sharlene, it is the sense of community and belonging that makes experiences like the Halberg Games so valuable.
“It gives kids the chance to try new things, grow in confidence and realise there’s a whole community out there supporting them,” she says.
Despite surgeries, setbacks and ongoing adjustments, Nathan has continued to approach life with resilience and determination.
Sharlene says her hope for Nathan is simple.
“I want Nathan to have the same opportunities that our other sons have and to be well supported in every aspect of his life so that he is able to live as independently as he can.”
Nathan shares the same dream.
“I’d like to keep playing sport and be able to live independently,” he says.
Looking to the future
Although he only has a few more years left to participate in the Halberg Games, Nathan hopes to continue his sporting journey through other pathways.
His message to others is one of inclusion and possibility.
“Having a disability doesn’t stop you from doing everything,” he says.
“We still want to be included like everyone else, even if it looks a little different.”
For Nathan, sport has never been about limitations. It's about connection, confidence and always finding a way to keep the game going.
This story was supplied by the Halberg Foundation and adapted for the DSRHB community.