Painting Olympics for children and youth

When you think of the Olympics, do you think of a paintbrush? 

You might now.

Considered the “Painting Olympics” for youth and children, the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition has been raising awareness and support of UNICEF Canada for over a decade. 

It’s an incredible example of a community-led event with proceeds purchasing UNICEF's School-in-a-Box kits: a box of supplies including slates, chalk, geometry sets, exercise books, pencils, a globe and more that equips teachers to turn a tent or the shade of a tree into a classroom. 

Here’s how the event works:

Each August, in Vancouver, children and young people between the ages of 4 and 25 gather for a live painting competition.  There are HUNDREDS of kids in front of easels ready to “paint off” in support of other children around the world.  Supplies are provided. The timer is set for 4 hours. And they’re off!

Check out some of the paintings from last year’s event below. The talent blows me away.

I also had the chance to spend some time with the chairman of the Organizing Committee, Vic Zheng and members of our teams.

It's wonderful to see so many groups and organizations from coast to coast to coast choose UNICEF Canada as the beneficiary of their fundraising efforts. 

Can't wait to see the creativity that flows out of the paintbrushes from this year's event....into new educational opportunities for children around the world.