The SportAccord Convention 2018 edition took a fresh direction with the incorporation of activities that included a United Through Sports Art workshop led by Valentina Jarrett.
With her warm spirit, the engaging Mrs. Jarrett volunteered to teach and inspire a group of displaced children from the Tak province (Mae la, Umpiem and Nu Po camps) to create art depicting sports using recycled materials to create beautiful pieces.
Aside from being a part of the United Through Sports opening ceremony, the displaced youth participated in the Bangkok Sports Festival including; 3×3 basketball, street football and sepaktakraw. They also enjoyed other activities and workshops with Peace and Sport Olympic champion medal winner Pascal Gentil, French football legend Christian Karembeu and NBA basketball superstar Bismack Biyombo.
During the unique afternoon event, the children expressed their freedom of creativity by using the logos of the 64 International Federations and the result was contemporary art illustrating sports of the participating IF’s.
Assisting the afternoon events were translators from the organization Right To Play where the atmosphere was one of laughter, education about the principles of art and an exchange of ideas.
The workshop came to a close over snacks and group photographs, with appreciation and thanks given to Mrs. Jarrett and most importantly, where the children left with a sense of accomplishment and the feeling of unity.
The children’s artwork was accepted as gifts to some of their sports heroes and others were presented to delegates of National Federations. A special moment was marked when Mrs. Jarrett addressed the AIMS General Assembly and presented the youth’s artwork to the AIMS President Mr. Stephan Fox which represented the 21 AIMS logos. Mrs. Jarrett addressed the General Assembly thanking the AIMS leadership for this unique opportunity stating that she has been a part of the SportAccord family since the early days, but the United Through Sports conference, the Bangkok Sports Festival and above all the smiles of these children made the SportAccord Convention 2018 one, if not the most outstanding.