News
gAisf is “United tHrough Youth” at SportaccOrd 2019
One of the highlights of SportAccord 2019 in Gold Coast promises to be the GAISF Sports Festival, which brings together International Federations with local schools and communities in a celebration of sport.
This year’s Sports Festival, which is jointly organised by United Through Sports and GAISF, is themed “United Through Youth”, and will run from 7-10 May 2019. With over 60 IFs interested in playing their part in the Festival, “United Through Youth” will be an incredible event that not only engages young people throughout Gold Coast and Australia, but gives back to challenged communities in the region.
At last year’s inaugural event in Bangkok, the United Through Sports Festival delivered donations from the sporting world of sport equipment to displaced children in the Tak Province Refugee camps in Thailand. Significant donations enabled the opening of an all-ability sports and educational facility for disadvantaged youth and those with different abilities in Bangkok. Furthermore, two Thai national federations in Fistball and Powerlifting were established as a result of the sports festival.
This year aims to top the 2018 edition, with more sports, youth and activities! With over 171 schools and universities invited, the centre of the festival will be the Kurrawa Surfing and Lifesaving Club, where local residents will have the opportunity to try new sports, watch sport competitions and participate in demonstrations. Youth taking part will receive a “United Through Youth Festival Passport”, where all those who participate in at least four activities will receive a certificate of participation.
Kurrawa Park’s expansive location means that this year’s Festival will have several different zones, including the Sport For All/Mind Zone, Urban Zone, Beach Zone, Combat Zone, Centre Court, and the Main Stage.
GAISF Senior Vice-President Raffaele Chiulli said: “SportAccord has evolved into more than a convention, it is an opportunity for IFs to grow their sport, engage with new audiences and make a tangible difference to underprivileged communities.”
Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, said: “Last year in Bangkok, we did something never done before at SportAccord; we instigated a vehicle for change through our shared love of sport. In 2019, we hope to surpass this success and introduce not only the youth but everybody to the great benefits that sport offers. Support for the Sports Festival from GAISF Members has been outstanding – I hope each and every Member takes this opportunity to join us and make history in Australia!”
It is not too late for IFs to get involved in this fantastic and worthwhile project. For more information on demonstrating at the United Through Youth Sports Festival, contact lia.luzzi@gaisf.sport.