The 2022 United Through Sports World Youth Festival opened in style in a spectacle of color, dance and
performance. The VIP area was packed with dignitaries including HRH Prince Tengku Amir Shah of
Malaysia, HRH Princess Dilayl Nahar Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, representatives from United Nations,
UNESCO, IOC Member Samira Ashghari, over 50 representatives of embassies and the list goes on.
The opening saw the IOC President Thomas Bach, the International Paralympics Committee and
President Andrew Parsons, the Special Olympics President Timothy Shriver, SportAccord President Ivo
Ferriani, all organizations granting patronage to this event.
The Siam Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra showcased the unique talent of Thailand along with many youth
national teams from gymnastics, cheerleading, dance sport, taekwondo, kendo, and many others being
part of the opening ceremony.
The over 30 youth ambassadors carried in the flags from all the main participant organizations
symbolizing the UTS values of inclusion, equality, non-discrimination and peace.
HRH Princess Dilayl Nahar Al Saud handed the flag back from Saudi Arabia who hosted a successful 2021
edition to UTS President Fox who then handed the flag to Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn who then declared the Youth Festival open in an emotional address.
It was truly a night to remember with many proud youth ambassadors from around the world standing
together in solidarity.
