In an often divided world, sport is an important connection that unites people across and within societies promoting unity in diversity.

There are countless examples of the unifying strength of sport. The Olympic values focus on
friendship, respect and excellence combined with the Paralympic values of determination,
inspiration, courage and equality. The objective of the Olympic movement is to contribute to
building a more peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport and practice without discrimination of any kind.

Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic movement believed that sport contributed to the harmonious and well balanced development of the body, personality and the mind. The interaction between sport, education and culture is encouraged by the Olympic movement to promote Olympism, Olympic ideals, reinforce cooperation with educational bodies and with projects focused on the youth.


Alliances are crucial, and this is what was established at the 2018 SportAccord Convention in
Bangkok with the formation of United Through Sports (UTS) and the many supporters. The IOC, AIMS, GAISF, RTP, UNESCO, UN Women, Generation for Peace, Peace and Sport, WADA and Royal Thai Government were amongst those endorsing the initiative. One of the key persons behind UTS is GAISF Vice President and AIMS President Mr Stephan Fox. The
inauguration of the Bangkok Sports Festival and the legacy it left behind for Thailand,
particularly for the ones in need is ongoing. Such that when the convention ended, there was
the establishment of many projects and sport facilities have been constructed for youth from
challenged backgrounds.


This Sunday 10th March will see a continuation of the legacy with alliances inspired by the
festival where organisations including UTS, RTP, IFMA and others have joined together with
the support of Xtreme Sport to kick off a 5 month multi-sport and friendship event, the Bangkok Urban Youth Tournament. The event will host futsal, 3X3 basketball, traditional muaythai, sepaktakraw and badminton in a tournament format of mixed teams coming from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.

Thailand’s IOC member and President of the Thailand Badminton Association, Khunying
Patama Leeswadtrakul will be patron of the event. Khunying has personally contributed to the UTS social fundraising campaign and stated that “This initiative is inspiring with over 80 teams participating. As an IOC member and being Thai, I am proud this event reflects the Olympic values.” GAISF Vice President Mr Fox reflected “We must continue to work together for our youth, every child should have an opportunity to play in whatever form possible. This will be achieved at this event and giving these children a playground in a safe surrounding showcases what can be achieved if we work as one.”