Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The 2025 United Through Sports World Youth Festival erupted with colour, movement, and unstoppable youth spirit as FITLAH made its powerful statement, bringing more than 300 young people of all abilities together in a dynamic celebration of fitness, fun, and global unity.
Designed to take youth out of conference rooms and into action, FITLAH transformed every corner of the Festival grounds into an interactive playground where sports became a language of connection long before words ever could.
What Is FITLAH?
The term FITLAH draws inspiration from the Malaysian expression “fit, lah!”, a playful and energetic way to encourage movement and celebrate activity. At the UTS World Youth Festival 2025, FITLAH evolved from a phrase into a full-fledged movement built on the belief that:
- When youth get active, barriers break.
- When they try something new, confidence grows.
- When they move together, everyone belongs.
FITLAH stands for participation, discovery, and inclusion, making fitness accessible to every young person, regardless of background or ability.
A Festival of Firsts
Throughout the UTS World Youth Festival 2025, participants jumped into a wide spectrum of sports and cultural activities, many for the very first time. The FITLAH zone featured:
- Dragon boat racing
- Sepak takraw
- Muaythai
- American football
- Jump rope
- Powerlifting
- Table soccer
- Traditional Malaysian sports and games
From the thrill of stepping into a dragon boat to the excitement of landing a sepak takraw kick, FITLAH offered youth the opportunity to discover new passions, overcome fears, and build confidence through shared experiences.
A Movement of Unity and Inclusion
The heart of FITLAH lies in its spirit of inclusion. Young people from around the world, representing different cultures, abilities, and stories, came together and proved that sport is truly the world’s greatest connector.
Every activity, every cheer, and every shared moment reinforced a simple truth: where sport begins, barriers end.
Youth Ambassador Voices
Aaliyan Khurram, UTS Youth Ambassador (Pakistan), shared:
“FITLAH is that moment when you realise: I can try, I can grow, and I can belong. What I felt at FITLAH was simple, everyone had a place, everyone had a chance, everyone mattered.”
Cheyenne Sheard, UTS Youth Ambassador (South Africa), added:
“In sport, every young person belongs. Every voice matters. Every ability counts. Every new sport tried is a new possibility unlocked.”
These reflections highlight the profound impact FITLAH had, not only on physical activity but also on confidence, identity, and global friendships.
A Lasting Impact
The UTS World Youth Festival 2025 was not just an event; it was a launchpad.
FITLAH opened doors for youth to:
- Try new sports
- Build friendships
- Understand inclusion
- Discover strengths they didn’t know they had
- Celebrate who they are, fully and proudly
The movement set a new standard for youth engagement and inclusion. It proved that when young people unite with open minds and open hearts, anything becomes possible.
