Nonfungible token digital trophies will be awarded at the Lake Placid 2023 World University Games, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) confirmed, through a partnership with LEVERADE, the Spanish company which was launched as the first sport token and NFT launchpad for leagues and federations such as FIFA, FIBA and the WBSC.
“Digital trophies are a great asset and attraction to capture the public's attention, encourage engagement, and interaction in social networks, and thus attract media attention,” FISU said in its announcement.
Official medals at Lake Placid 2023 will be delivered in NFT format along with a certificate of authenticity while ownership will be recorded in the blockchain. NFTs are unique digital assets that cannot be replicated and can be sold or traded.
Among the benefits athletes can receive through their digital medal include increased visibility on social media to increase their exposure and engagement with the public, as well as sales and sponsorship opportunities to support their finances.
“The agreement reached between FISU and LEVERADE is a big step toward the future of university sports and demonstrates the utilities and possibilities of blockchain technology within the sporting world,” FISU said.
The 2023 Winter World University Games are currently taking place with around 1,400 athletes from 543 universities across 46 countries competing in 85 events. The Games will conclude on 22 January.
Among the benefits athletes can receive through their digital medal include increased visibility on social media to increase their exposure and engagement with the public, as well as sales and sponsorship opportunities to support their finances.
That may be so, but I would be much more impressed when seeing a gold medalist at any type of public appearance, whether on TV or in person, wearing it around their neck. It's especially inspirational for kids (or us big kids) to be able to hold it or just touch it. What will they do with the NFT? Pull out their phone and show us a picture?
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=508535155829426&set=pb.100057679080858.-2207520000.