“Do something today for a better tomorrow” – Oscar Wilde.
The first ever world UTS Virtual Youth Festival encourages youth to showcase their unique talents and creativity, offering them a chance to shine bright during a difficult time. Over 60 organisations and federations have joined to participate and/or contribute towards this unique event which has been patronized by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, Sportaccord and GAISF.
This year the pandemic prevented youth from attending sport events, so the festival will bring the sport to the youth. Want to be involved? Welcome to the UTS Virtual Youth Festival 2020 Competition Guidelines Handbook. Registration is open, soon the trials will be running, and finals will be 20 – 22 November.
IRF involvement
Two of the IRF’s Judges have already been a part of the first International Technical Official’s (ITO) training workshop, getting ready to start judging the virtual entries. Since our announcement about our invitation to the Virtual Youth Festival, we have had interest from our members all over the world and look forward to our youth competing in this first of its kind event. To add to the fun, this is a great event to challenge friends from other teams around the world!
Youth of all abilities
The festival includes youth of all abilities where the doors are open for youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds, youth from international federations and those with different physical and mental abilities. The participating organisations share a common vision, to provide opportunity by working with and for the youth, giving them autonomy and hope.
United Through Sports (UTS), the hosts of this event, say “Dear youth , this festival is for you. We invite you to follow your dreams, keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. Know that you can achieve anything you put your mind too.”
Logo design
The logo stands to represent unity in diversity through the inclusion of all youth regardless of ability, and its design uses a vibrant, bold and youthful colour palette appealing to the younger generations signifying fun and positivity. The centre of the logo symbolises the digital world with four different youth encircling the globe. They are connected across the world sharing the same experience, the same event at the same time. .
Showcase talent and creativity
This festival encourages youth to showcase their unique talents and creativity, offering them a chance to shine bright during a difficult time. Over 60 organisations and federations have joined to participate and/or contribute towards this unique event which has been patronised by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, Sportaccord and GAISF.
UTS aims to focus on promoting more inclusion through sport, to encourage a change in perspective and create more opportunities for youth with different abilities.
First of its kind
The UTS Virtual Youth Festival is to be the first of its kind and seeks to promote a universal platform beyond borders connecting youth from all backgrounds and all abilities to come together to enjoy sport and education during the festival. No passports and visas needed!
UTS/AIMS President, Stephan Fox, said: “We all feel the impact the pandemic has had on the international sport community. No child should be forgotten or left behind and now we have a unique chance to motivate the youth and keep them engaged in sports towards their physical health and wellness.”
Stand in solidarity for one another
At a time when the world is facing a unique challenge, we must stand in solidarity for one another to promote inclusion, non-discrimination, peace-promotion and equality letting the smiles be a universal welcome.
One Spirit – One Heart
#StrongerTogether #RaftersAreAwesome #areyouready
