Future of Sports

The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) envisions the Future of Sports platform as a transformative force reshaping the world of sports through technological innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable practices. This platform aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies, foster equitable and inclusive sporting environments, and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of global sports.

Strategic Framework

• Technological Integration in Athletic Performance: Utilizing advancements in wearable technology, data analytics, and biomechanics, the platform enhances athletic training, performance monitoring, and injury prevention. By adhering to standards such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), it ensures the reliability and safety of sports technologies.

• Fan Engagement and Digital Experiences: The Future of Sports platform capitalizes on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive fan experiences, expanding the ways audiences interact with sports. This approach aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) issued by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure digital inclusivity and accessibility for all fans.

• Sustainability in Sports: Emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship, the platform advocates for sustainable event management, eco-friendly infrastructure, and conservation initiatives within the sports industry. It aligns with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Sports for Climate Action Framework, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of sports events and operations.

• Inclusivity and Equity: Dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity, the platform supports initiatives that promote equal opportunities in sports for underrepresented and marginalized communities. It works towards aligning with international human rights standards, such as those set forth by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to ensure sports are accessible and equitable for all.

• Health and Well-being: Recognizing the integral role of sports in promoting physical and mental health, the platform advocates for programs that encourage active lifestyles across all ages and abilities. It supports the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity, offering insights into how sports can be a vehicle for enhancing global health outcomes.

Excellence and Compliance

By implementing continuous development and integration (CD/CI) practices, the Future of Sports platform ensures its initiatives remain cutting-edge and responsive to the needs of athletes, fans, and communities. It prioritizes compliance with global standards in cybersecurity and data protection to safeguard the personal information of participants and spectators.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including athletes, sports organizations, technology developers, educators, and fans—the Future of Sports platform cultivates a collaborative ecosystem. This ecosystem is geared towards innovation, leveraging GCRI's global network to co-create solutions that address the pressing needs of the sports industry while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The GCRI’s Future of Sports platform is poised to revolutionize the sports industry by harnessing technology for performance excellence, championing sustainability, and promoting inclusivity. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to global standards and best practices, it aims to enrich the sports experience for all stakeholders and contribute to the development of a more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable global sports culture.