Toronto Accessible Sports Council Names Tai Young as 2026 Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto Accessible Sports Council Names Tai Young as 2026 Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award Recipient
TORONTO, ON – June 8 2026 – The Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) is proud to announce that wheelchair racer Tai Young has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award, recognizing his exceptional Strength, Tenacity, Achievement, and Resilience both on and off the track.
The Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award celebrates emerging adaptive athletes who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sport while overcoming barriers to participation. The award also recognizes athletes who serve as positive role models within their communities and show strong potential for future success.
At just 22 years old, Young has established himself as one of Canada’s top wheelchair racing athletes in the highly competitive T54 classification. Since discovering wheelchair racing through a Cruisers Sports Para Athletics Try-It Session in 2021, he has dedicated himself to the sport, developing into a nationally ranked competitor and a respected leader within the adaptive sport community.
Young’s recent accomplishments include representing Team Ontario at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, where he earned bronze medals in the men’s 400m and 1500m events. He also delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Canadian Track and Field Championships, capturing gold in the men’s 1500m, silver in the men’s 200m, and bronze in the men’s 800m. He currently ranks among the top wheelchair racers in Canada, including first nationally in the men’s T54 800m.
The Selection Committee was impressed not only by Young’s athletic achievements but also by the determination he has demonstrated in balancing high-performance sport, post-secondary education, and community involvement. A student in the Media Production program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Young has consistently advocated for greater accessibility and opportunities for athletes with disabilities while pursuing his own athletic goals.
“Tai embodies the spirit of the Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award,” said the Selection Committee. “His commitment to excellence, perseverance in the face of challenges, and willingness to support others make him an outstanding representative of the adaptive sport community. He has achieved remarkable success as an athlete while also serving as a mentor, advocate, and role model for others.”
Young’s coach, Lisa Myers, Director of Para Athletics and Head Wheelchair Racing Coach at Cruisers Sports, highlighted his dedication to both sport and community. In addition to maintaining a rigorous training and competition schedule, Young regularly volunteers at introductory adaptive sport events, helping new participants feel welcomed and supported. His positive attitude and leadership have made him a valued ambassador for adaptive sport.
Beyond athletics, Young has become a visible advocate for disability representation in media and public life. He has participated in national campaigns promoting inclusion, including Holland Bloorview’s Dear Everybody initiative, appeared in programs supporting disability awareness, and recently hosted a television series that encouraged young people of all abilities to pursue their dreams.
The financial support provided through the Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award will assist Young with travel, competition, and training expenses associated with his pursuit of high-performance wheelchair racing. The funding will support participation in key competitions, including national and provincial championships, as he continues to work toward his long-term goal of representing Canada on the international stage.
“Tai’s achievements reflect not only athletic excellence, but also a commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible future for others,” said the Committee. “We are proud to recognize him as the 2026 Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award recipient and look forward to following his continued success.”
About the Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC)
The Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to increasing awareness, access, and participation opportunities in adaptive sport and recreation for individuals with disabilities across Toronto. Through community partnerships, programming, education, and athlete support initiatives, TASC works to create a more inclusive sport system for all.
Media Contact
Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC)
star@torontoaccessiblesports.ca
torontoaccessiblesports.ca
