Second edition of United Through Sports World Virtual Youth Festival hosted by Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the second edition of the UTS World Virtual Youth Festival in 2021 following last year’s successful inaugural hosting of the event by Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of the virtual festival is to encourage the participation of over 30,000 children from around the world in some of the 17 different events on offer.

The festival will be organised by a special committee under the supervision of the Riyadh Asian Games 2034 Organizing Committee and United Through Sports (UTS). It will take place from 20th-27th November with the participation of over 100 international federations and organisations from around the world with hybrid workshop and conference to take place in Riyadh host of the 2021 edition.

President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al Faisal thanked the generous support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The vision is towards raising the level of sport in Saudi Arabia by hosting and organising the most important global events in line with the kingdom's Vision 2030.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz notes “the kingdom is dedicated to developing the skills of youth through sport, education and culture, and this unique festival connects youth of all abilities across the world. Part of our mission is to ensure that despite the global pandemic, there is a significant increase of youth activity and sport engagement across Saudi Arabia.

“Our united aim is to encourage the participation of over 30,000 children from around the world in this virtual festival, which will include 17 different events.  The kingdom is proud to be the official host, reaching out from Riyadh to the world.”

Stephan Fox, President of United Through Sports shares "this event was originally intended to provide opportunities for young people of all abilities and social backgrounds during the pandemic. But what we have learnt is that even after the pandemic, this event is an important contribution in combining all young people in the spirit of sport. You do not need passports, visas or air tickets, as we are all united on a virtual platform.”

Fox emphasised that the festival allows participating organisations, particularly sports organisations to work with a united vision towards a goal much larger than their own federations and added “all of the over 100 organisations instantly chose to participate and contribute, as the immense festival value is clear. There, I must echo the inspiring words of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz who said so poignantly at the same event last year in Bangkok, when we unite, we are all right."

For more information on UTS World Virtual Youth Festival 2021 go to unitedthroughsports.com/