The Grand Closing｜The First-Half Awards Ceremony of the 14th the Youth World Cup Painting Competition Concludes Warmly in Vancouver
When paintbrushes cross national borders, the goodwill of young people blooms in Vancouver. At 13:30 local Vancouver time on August 29, 2026, the awards ceremony for the 14th the Youth World Cup Painting Competition was held at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver, Canada.
Young artists from diverse ethnic groups across the world gathered at the venue. Though they speak different languages and come from varied cultural backgrounds, they share one identity — young creators engaging the world through art.
The event received strong support from Canada’s federal, provincial and municipal governments. Government representatives attended to deliver speeches and present awards, demonstrating high level official recognition of the competition. Distinguished politicians, art professionals and leaders of Chinese-Canadian community associations were present to witness this milestone moment for young talents.
Authoritative Endorsement: An International Art Gala for Global Youth
Supported solely by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Youth World Cup Painting Competition is hosted by the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition. Co-organizers include the Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation, Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, North America Artist Association and North America Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Research Institute.
Known as the “Olympics of youth art”, the competition was founded in 2012. Committed to youth aesthetic education and cross-cultural exchange, it attracts more than 100,000 young participants globally each year and enjoys high prestige and international recognition among youth art events.
Messages of Congratulations: Best Wishes for Young Artists
This grand ceremony drew extensive attention and support from home and abroad. Political figures and authoritative organizations sent congratulatory messages, commending the competition for its value in cross-cultural dialogue, youth art education and global children-focused philanthropy.
Congratulatory messages were received from Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Member of Parliament George Chow, Member of Parliament Don Davies, Premier David Eby of British Columbia, Hon. Lisa Beare (Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport), Hon. George Chow (Minister of Citizens’ Services), Hon. Teresa Wat, Hon. Janet Routledge, Mayor Ken Sim of Vancouver, Councillor Lenny Zhou of Vancouver and Councillor Hans Chu of Richmond.
Guest Remarks: Conversing on Missions of Art-Driven Cultural Exchange
Multiple guests took the stage to deliver addresses. They praised the competition’s public-welfare spirit and cultural significance, encouraging young people worldwide to use art to bridge divides and build understanding and friendship among civilizations.
Speakers included Zheng Yonghe, Chair of the Competition Organizing Committee; Sarah Stephens, Envoy of UNICEF; MP George Chow; MLA Sunita Dhir; Councillor Bill Zhou of Burnaby; Councillor Lenny Zhou of Vancouver; School Trustee Alfred Qian of Vancouver School Board; Qian Hua, President of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada; Chu Yuanzheng, Executive Chair of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Niu Hua, President of the United Chinese Communities of Canada; Wang Dianqi and Chen Yongtao, Honorary Chairs of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Gai Zhongzhen, President of Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation; Han Changfu, President of Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association; Shen Zhenmin, President of North America Artist Association; Zhang Bo’en, Director-General of North America Artist Association. Guests spoke highly of the competition’s public-welfare and cultural value, encouraging youth across the globe to pick up paintbrushes and foster mutual understanding via artistic connections. Zhou Qian from partner institutions shared insights on aesthetic-education practice, bringing the session of guest addresses to a heartfelt close.
Distinguished Guests Gather to Witness Youth Glory
A remarkable assembly of attendees including politicians, representatives of Chinese‑Canadian associations, chambers of commerce, alumni societies and media representatives came to witness young creators’ well‑deserved achievements and extend sincere wishes for their artistic journeys.
List of Attending Guests:
Member of Parliament George Chow; Sarah Stephens, UNICEF Envoy; Zheng Yonghe, Chair of the Competition Organizing Committee; MLA Sunita Dhir; Councillor Bill Zhou of Burnaby; Councillor Lenny Zhou of Vancouver; School Trustee Alfred Qian of Vancouver School Board; Qian Hua, President of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada; Chu Yuanzheng, Executive Chair of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Niu Hua, President of the United Chinese Communities of Canada; Wang Dianqi & Chen Yongtao, Honorary Chairs of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Guo Yinghua, Chair of the Greater Vancouver Chinese Cultural Centre; Yan Danhong & Wang Jing, Executive Vice‑Chairs of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Wang Shengli, He Xiang & Roger, Advisors to the Competition Organizing Committee; Cao Weihong, Honorary Chair of the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations; Xu Ling, President of North America Women’s Federation; Gai Zhongzhen, President of Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation; Han Changfu, President of Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association; Shen Zhenmin, President of North America Artist Association; Zhang Bo’en, Director‑General of North America Artist Association; Ma Zaixin, Advisor to the Confederation of Canadian Chinese Organizations & Publisher of *Dahua Business News*; Zhang Wenyu, President of Henan Friendship Association of Canada; Li Hui, President of Shanghai Economic & Trade Association; Lou Hong, President of Canada‑China Friendship Committee; Wang Qiuyan, President of Canadian Ice Wine Association; Zhang Wenmei, President of Chongqing Association of Canada; Wu Tong, President of Northeast Chinese Canadian Association; Li Jiaying, President of Jiangsu Fellowship Association of Canada; Fu Changjun, President of Dalian Association of Canada; Zhou Qian of Zhou Qian Art Studio; Li Peng, Wang Jinghua, Wang Qibo, Luan Zhongmin, Zhao Chuanrong, Liu Feng, Wu Qitai, Ren Guangping, Sun Huating, Vice‑Presidents and Directors of Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association.
Honouring Achievements: Every Passion Deserves Recognition
Inside the auditorium, names of award-winning young artists were announced one after another, met with waves of applause and cheers. Guests presented certificates and medals to young creators, encouraging them to forge ahead along their artistic paths.
Award-winning youth representatives stepped onto the stage. A little nervous under the spotlight, they radiated joy for having their efforts acknowledged.
Special awards including Outstanding Youth Leadership Award, Outstanding Care Award, Excellent Organization Award and Outstanding Volunteer Award were conferred on individuals and organizations excelling in artistic creation and public-welfare contributions.
Artworks Auction: Young Brushstrokes Convey Sincere Kindness
Art carries warmth, and young people embrace social responsibility.
Highlighting the ceremony, a charity auction showcased selected competition artworks, linking young creators’ imagination with global children-centred public-welfare initiatives.
Enthusiastic audience members raised paddles to bid for good causes. All proceeds from the auction were donated to UNICEF’s “School-in-a-Box” programme, supplying learning kits for children in impoverished, war-torn and disaster-hit regions and supporting their return to classrooms.
Fourteen artworks were successfully sold. Their young creators received donation certificates jointly issued by the UNICEF Envoy and the Competition Organizing Committee. Every bid embodied genuine kindness from the younger generation.
This charity auction represents a continuation of the competition’s long-standing public-welfare mission. Since its founding, this cross-ocean charity initiative has strived to expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Continuing Philanthropic Legacy: Supporting Dreams of Tens of Thousands of Children
Fourteen years of consistent efforts have kept the original public-welfare mission alive.
Partnering with UNICEF, the competition has supported the construction of “School-in-a-Box” tent-schools. By the end of 2025, more than 1,100 tent-schools had been funded, granting educational access to over 44,000 children living in poverty and conflict-affected areas. Art has built a hopeful sky for these young learners.
The Competition as a Springboard: Paving Pathways toward Global Opportunities
More than an awards ceremony, this event serves as a launchpad for young people chasing worldwide opportunities.
Competition awards and official recommendation letters are widely recognised by top-tier universities across the globe.
Numerous past participants have gained admission to world-renowned institutions including Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia. Hundreds of recipients have secured partial or full scholarships, opening doors to promising futures.
Paintbrushes as Wings: Toward the Next Artistic Gathering
“The paintbrush is the universal language.” This phrase resonated throughout the day. Boundaries of nationality, ethnicity and language faded away. Young participants told personal stories and shared their visions for tomorrow through art.
Towards the end of the ceremony, all attendees joined in singing the classic song We Are the World.
Closing the event marks not an ending but a new beginning. Sincere gratitude goes to every dedicated young artist, judges, volunteers, partner organisations and every supporter of this charitable cause. May creativity persist, passion endure and philanthropy continue.
Award Winners List
THE FIRST PRIZE
Group A： Adora Li、Clatus Wong、Mario Ma
Group B： Aiden Liu、Aiden Xi、Alicia Chen、Alison Wan、Amanda Tse、Amira Lu、Annalise Lu、Anni Luo、Aurora Lai、Avery Jiang、Carina Yu、Clayton Wang、Demi Ma、Eleanor Lin、Emilie Zhao、Isa Song、Jari Jiao、Jayden Naing、Jeffery Lu、Jennifer Xin、Jessie Chen、Julian Zhu、July Ma、Jun Yang、Lotus Zhang、Louis Wu、Lynn Jin Xuan Zhu、Marina Cristoffanini、Natalie Wan、Olivia Yu、Olivia Zhang、Priscilla Yin、Sunnie Zhao、Yi Han (Emma) Wang、Ying Huan Luo、Yiyi Liang
Group C： Abigail Xie、Aydan Tong、Carrie Ma、Constance Ko、Cynthia Meixi Liu、Dalai En、Emma Yu、Enzo Wang、Esther Guo、Ethan Liang、Eva Wang、Jamila Yue、Jasmine Yang、Jessica Li、Julian Xiao、Lang Sun、Makayla Liu、Oliver Weng、Sihe Yang、Sophia Loe、Viara Pencheva、William Liu、Xinlin Li、Xuanyu Liu、Yufan Tai、Zeye Duan、Jason Han
Group D： Li,Xirong
THE SECOND PRIZE
Group A： Celine Zhang、Charlotte Lu、Constantine Dong、Darren Peng、Eason Wang、Hengkai Wang、Henry Zhao、Mina Shang、Rhea Li
Group B： Aiden Zang、Alina Wang、Alvis Zhen、Amanda Tse、Amira Lu、Anchi Han、Angela He、Anne Ye、Aurora Ming、Ayla Sanaie、Bessie Ouyang、Brittany Li、Caitlyn Hu、Cecilia Bi、Charles Liu、Chloe Bian、Chloe Zhang、Chris Yuan、Claire Liu、Claire Yang、Claire Zhou、Clare Liu、Cynthia Gong、Dolly Zhou、Eason Yang、Eden Ho、Emily Wang、Eryca Tong、Evelyn Zhang、Forrest Yang、Hana Hung、Hannah Zehan Wang、Harper Lu、Hobson Weng、Isabella Liu、Jacob Wei、Jarvis Liu、Jasmine Gao、Jayden Li、Jerry Shi、Jessica Lyu、Jinning Huang、Joanna Yu、Joey Li、Jonathan Wu、Jun Yang、Kayden Jiao、Klaus Gao、Klerisa Li、Lincoln Bian、Lucas Zhao、Lukas Leung、Mamadou Kou、Mark Hui、Max Xu、Michelle Shang、Nina Ren、Olivia Chen、Olivia Ruan、Olivia Yi、Olivia Zhao、Olyocia Quan、Qishun Luo、Ryan Tang、Ryan Xu、Ryder Zhang、Selina Wang、Serena Wang、Shun Chit Jordan Liang、Simon Gong、Sunny Meng、Thomas Qi Hao Luo、Vanessa Liu、Xishi Chen、Yulia Dou
Group C： Bill Zhou、Emma Wang、Xu,Haorui、Harry Zhang、Helen Zeng、Xu,Jiayi、Jonny Wan、Kexin Zhang、Lisa Wang、Cai,Peizi、Yang, Qiaoqiao、Sisi Tian、Sunny Hu、Yunqi Bai、Yunquan Bai
Group D： Liu,Jiayuan、Wang,Wenxin
THE THIRD PRIZE
Group A： Aurora Fan、Elsie Wang、Emma Liu、Isabel Li、Melina Zhixin Liu、Suxiao Shen
Group B： Alice An、Alma Wang、Andrew Ngai、Angus Pan、Anne Ye、Anthony Pan、Ariana Liu、Carina Zhai、Chloe Xu、Christina Yang、Colleen Wu、Cory Zhai、Edward Shao、Eliza Wai、Emily Lu、Ethan Liu、Ethan Peng、Everly Yu、Gloria Li、Grace Zheng、Hubert Tian、Isabelle Ho、Ivan Chan、Ivy Wang、Jack Yan、James Zeyu Zhang、Jazmin Chen、Joanna Zhang、Julie Xu、Katelynn Li、Katherine ZiQi Wang、Kelly Xu、Lily Li、Marcus Chen、Michelle Li、Monica Mai、Natalie He、Nick Qin、Nolan Ye、Olivia Chen、Ona Liu、Orin Liu、Oscar Ruan、Pricilla Tang、Reina Zhang、Roris Wang、Roy Xu、Ryan Feng、Scarlett Chen、Sharon Chen、Skyler Sun、Stephanie Yeung、Timmy Zhou、Vanessa Zhang、Victoria Wang、Winnie Wu、Yang Yue、Yumi Yu、Zihao Wang
Group C： Casey Yan Ting Woo、Catherin Yuan、Chen Liyu、David Hu、James Lee、Kaia Kwok、Keira Kong、Li Yan Nok、Liu Sophia、Stella Zhang、Tang Zihan、Yaqing Liang
Group D： Dai,Xuanyu、Hu,Kexin
THE EXCELLENCE PRIZE
Group A： Aiden Chen 、Caden Zhao 、Jasper Chen
Group B： Aiden Yang、Andy Wu、Bessie Zhang、Cecilia Guan、Clarisse Chang、Emilia Zhang、Isabella Zhang、Justin Yu、Mason Chen、Nora Chan、Pearly Liu、Ranita Fan
Group C： Lyu, Yancheng
Outstanding Youth Leadership Award
Sophia Loe
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Mark Luan、Lucy Zhao、Revan Sun、Yong Wang、Ping guang Ren、Bob Wu、Wang Jing hua、Cao Wei hong、Ada Liu、Windy Du、Yolia Yang、Linda Deng、Jie Feng、Feig Liu、Maggie Zhang、Jenna、Michelle Chan、Kelvin Chan、Jeffrey Kwong、Jason Han、Marcus Seid、Changfu Han、Wang, Qibu、Li Peng
Competition Organizing Committee Roster
Chief Planner & Supervisor: Zheng Yonghe, Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition
Chief Coordinator: Gai Zhongzhen, President of Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation
Chief Executive: Zheng Yan, Executive Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition
Secretary-General: Li Peng, Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition
Senior Planner: Zheng Hailin, Deputy Secretary-General of Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation
Committee Advisors: He Xiang, Wang Baijin, Zu Keqin, Bai Jiping, Wang Shengli
Committee Staff: Mark Luan, Lucy Zhao, Revan Sun, Yong Wang, Ping guang Ren, Bob Wu, Wang Jing hua, Cao Wei hong, Ada Liu, Windy Du, Yolia Yang, Linda Deng, Jie Feng, Feig Liu, Maggie Zhang, Jenna, Michelle Chan, Kelvin Chan, Jeffrey Kwong, Jason Han, Marcus Seid, Changfu Han, Wang, Qibu, Li Peng