Youth Culture Youth Advisory Team Member
Born at 36 weeks, Tai underwent abdominal surgery at only 2 days old for Jejunal Atresia. He spent 3 months in The Hospital for Sick Children before he was able to come home. Doctors believed that Tai wouldn’t be able to sit, stand, or walk due to a spinal cord injury.
This did not slow Tai down! By the age of 12, Tai had accomplished a lot such as being an ambassador for Holland Bloorview and Easter Seals, a model, a filmmaker, and a TVO Kids reporter. Tai was also a medal runner for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Tour in 2011.
Tai is fearless at trying new things and possesses an infectious positive attitude. He competes in vocal competitions, plays the drums, and enjoys musical theatre. He hopes to be on Broadway one day! On the athletics side, Tai enjoys wheelchair fencing, wheelchair tennis, mono-skiing and swimming.
Tai believes that you can do anything you set your mind to, and encourages kids of all ages to be active!
Youth Culture Podcasts with Tai
Adversities, Resilience and Empowerment with Nina Lee Aquino
Tai interviews leading Filipina-Canadian director and dramaturge Nina Lee Aquino. As the Artistic Director of Factory Theatre and an award-winning director in Toronto, Nina talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the theatre and entertainment industry. Her and Tai discuss career paths, adversities, inclusion and empowerment. Check out the highlight video of the interview and full-length podcast below!