Youth from the five continents were united as one spirit with one heart for the UTS World Virtual Youth Festival 2020.
Since the first UTS Festival in 2018, each event has focused on placing youth at the centre.
This essential aspect of the UTS Festival concept ensures that youth of all abilities have an equal opportunity.
The spectacular five-day Youth Festival has come to an end. Over the last 3 months, youth from around the world have prepared and been excited by the prospect of such a unique and all-inclusive event.
We are all experiencing challenging times with the current pandemic and this event has brought the youth of the world back together, connected on one virtual platform.
The finalists for the Aero Fit, Max Fit and Talent competitions have been announced and will take to the virtual podium on the 19 December during the worldwide virtual : Leaving a Legacy Behind Event
Let us first congratulate all the winners of the International Paralympic and Special Olympic competitions. You are absolutely amazing, inspiring and we are looking forward to seeing you all 19 December.
To all the UTS Youth Ambassadors, thank you for your inspiring messages, you made us smile, ponder and certainly inspired us. Each and every video message showed us your spirit and your dedication to your sport federations.
To all the participating organisations, we are truly grateful to you all, thank you. We will honour each and every one during the gala and thank you for your contributions and efforts to give all your youth an opportunity.
A special thank you and our deepest respect to the IOC, IPC, SOI, GAISF, SportAccord and certainly the AIMS family for granting this historic event patronage.
To the distinguished speakers of the Opening Ceremony, thank you and an extra big thank you to all the youth who performed from the Gold Coast, Abu Dhabi, Ekaterinburg, Milano Cortina, Astana, LA, Washington and certainly the Opening and Closing performers from the host country, Thailand.
Our sincerest thank you to the Royal Thai Government, especially the Sport Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, TESF, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, Special Olympics Thailand and Thailand’s IOC Member.
To all the speakers of the Opening Conference, the Workshops, the Panels and the over 5000 participating youth across the workshops, this was all for your benefit.
Our amazing youth hosts who have worked hard during the five days representing all youth, you are so talented, and we are so proud of you.
Our fantastic and talented production team, the supportive and flexible officials and referees, the technical teams and everyone who ensured the competitions made it into your homes, thank you for all your hard work and being dedicated towards this event.
To the IOC, IPC and SOI team who have been great supporters of this event since day one to ensure the success of this event and the realisation of so many dreams, we thank you.
Last but not least, to the exceptional UTS team who have moved mountains and reached higher and higher to ensure no youth is left behind.
Now we invite you all to join us and reconnect on the 19 December for the UTS Awards Night where together we will Leave a Legacy Behind and give to those in need. We will also be announcing the Host of UTS World Virtual Youth Festival 2021!