Essay: Redefining sports organizations - Bold Visions, Green Initiatives & Unprecedented Collaborations
We asked, “Imagine that you are working in a sports organisation of the future (say 2040), what does it look like?”, and received numerous interesting essays from young people. Lukas Kendra placed thrid in our competition.
Read the essay from Lukas Kendra.
Redefining sports organizations - Bold Visions, Green Initiatives & Unprecedented Collaborations
Author: Lukas Kendra, thrid place
Sports have always been instrumental in driving change, and in this futuristic perspective,
I will concentrate on five critical aspects that can transform the sports industry. By embracing the
power of these elements, tomorrow’s sports organizations can create a lasting societal impact,
cultivating a healthy, inclusive, eco-friendly, technologically advanced, and wellness-oriented
world for future generations.
Fostering equality in opportunities will be a key priority for future sports organizations, ensuring that all young individuals, regardless of socio-economic background, gender, or abilities, have an equal chance to succeed. Targeted initiatives like scholarships, athletic camps, and mentorship programs will guarantee that every aspiring athlete has access to the necessary resources and support to excel in their chosen sport, promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
Comprehensive development of athletes will be emphasized by future sports organizations, concentrating on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This holistic approach will involve creating customized training programs, offering mental health support, and providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. By prioritizing the overall well being of athletes, future sports organizations will nurture well-rounded individuals who flourish both in their sport and personal lives.
Harnessing technology for improved performance, sports organizations of the future will employ cutting-edge technology to boost skill development and performance analysis. Coaches and trainers will leverage artificial intelligence, virtual or augmented reality, and advanced analytics to identify areas for improvement and create targeted training regimens for each athlete. This data-driven strategy will empower young athletes to realize their full potential and optimize their performance in a safe and effective manner. Sports organizations of the future will work closely with educational institutions, recognizing the need to balance academics with athletic endeavors. By 2040, these collaborations will enable student-athletes to access tailored educational programs that accommodate their training schedules and provide essential academic support. Furthermore, these partnerships will contribute to the development of innovative sports curricula and research, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from advancements in sports science and management.
Future sports organizations will also focus on cultivating stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities through collaboration with local and international organizations. These partnerships will include community outreach programs, sports clinics, and charity events that promote physical activity, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging. By connecting sports organizations with various stakeholders, such as government bodies, non-profits, and private sector entities, these partnerships will create a powerful network driving positive change and improving the quality of life for everyone.
In addition, sports organizations of the future will play a vital role in international sports diplomacy, using the universal language of sports to encourage peace, tolerance, and understanding between nations. By participating in global sports events, exchanges, and collaborations, these organizations will promote cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious world. No more sportswashing in future! As the world grapples with climate change, future sports organizations will place a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. This commitment will manifest in the development of sustainable sports facilities that incorporate renewable energy sources, water conservation systems, and recycled materials. By creating green sports infrastructure, these organizations will minimize their ecological footprint and set a precedent for others to follow. Sustainable practices will be implemented across all aspects of sports organizations, ranging from waste management to transportation and event planning. These efforts will ensure that sports continue to thrive without compromising the environment or future generations. Less building, more circular economy.
In 2040, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize talent identification and scouting in sports organizations. Advanced algorithms will analyze extensive data sets, including physical attributes, performance metrics, and social media presence, to pinpoint promising athletes with high potential. Leveraging AI-driven insights, sports organizations will efficiently uncover undiscovered talent and provide opportunities to a diverse pool of athletes who may have been overlooked through traditional scouting methods. Technological innovation will also play a crucial role in enhancing fan engagement and experience. AI-powered tools will enable sports organizations to offer personalized content, merchandise, and promotions based on fan preferences, fostering a more immersive and interactive experience. Additionally, advancements in virtual and augmented reality technologies will allow fans to experience live sports events in entirely new ways, such as immersing them in the action or providing unique vantage points that were previously inaccessible. AI will have a significant impact on game strategies and decision-making in future sports organizations. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms will equip coaches and team managers with real-time insights and predictive models, enabling them to make informed decisions based on data-driven evidence. These tools will provide a competitive advantage by identifying opponents’ weaknesses, suggesting optimal lineups, and recommending tactical adjustments during a game. Lastly, AI’s involvement in sports organizations will extend to injury prevention and rehabilitation. AI-powered wearable devices and sensors will continuously monitor athletes’ physical conditions, providing real-time feedback on their biomechanics, stress levels, and fatigue. This information will assist trainers and medical staff in identifying early warning signs of potential injuries, implementing preventive measures, and developing personalized rehabilitation programs to expedite recovery.
Future sports organizations will understand the importance of promoting physical activity for recreational athletes across all ages and abilities. By offering various programs, classes, and events tailored to different fitness levels and interests, these organizations will encourage more people to engage in regular exercise, leading to improved physical and mental well-being for all participants. Emphasizing the importance of fostering social connections through sports, future sports organizations will create inclusive environments and organize events that encourage interaction and camaraderie. By helping recreational athletes build strong support networks and lasting friendships, the positive social aspects of sports will contribute to the overall well-being of participants and promote a sense of community and belonging. Accessibility and affordability will be essential priorities for sports organizations seeking to enhance the well-being of recreational athletes. By investing in the development and maintenance of high-quality, affordable sports facilities, these organizations will ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, could participate in sports and improve their overall well-being.
As I imagine my working day in 2040 my day begins early in the morning, as the alarm clock gently wakes me with a customized sound and lighting scheme that promotes alertness and well-being. Neuroscience research changed working week from five days to four days. No matter what, I still take time for breathing exercises and perceiving sunlight in the morning. As I travel to work using sustainable transportation, I take the time to do a daily refresh and stay updated on the latest trends in sports management, using an AI-curated news feed tailored to my interests. Upon arriving at the smart building, my private AI assistant, reminiscent of Jarvis from Iron Man, greets me and provides a rundown of my tasks for the day. The AI assistant has generated a list of priorities based on ongoing projects and upcoming deadlines, allowing me to focus on the most crucial aspects of my role as a staff of sports organization. During the day, I oversee AI driven training sessions, while my AI assistant ensures that I receive real-time performance analytics and tailored recommendations for each athlete. I also attend meetings in augmented reality, connecting with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from around the world without the need for physical travel. This virtual collaboration enables us to make decisions quickly and efficiently, while minimizing our carbon footprint.
My AI assistant, always available to provide support and information, plays a crucial role in helping me manage various tasks, from coordinating schedules to analyzing data, and even generating content for fan engagement. This advanced technology allows our sports organization to focus on strategic decision-making and building strong relationships with athletes, fans, and partners. Era of filling thousands and thousands of pages and sheets came to an end. Throughout the day, I balance my responsibilities towards professional athletes and the environment, ensuring that the sports organization of the future is an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative entity. As I head home, I reflect on the day’s achievements, grateful for the AI-powered tools and technologies that make my work more effective, efficient, and fulfilling. In addition to streamlining my professional responsibilities, my AI assistant plays a role in maintaining my personal well-being. It helps plan and prepare nutritious lunches and dinners that cater to my individual dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that I maintain optimal health and energy levels throughout the day. Lunch for me and my colleague is in the office prepared by robot. Something like food waste does not exists anymore. The AI assistant also monitors my work environment and provides personalized recommendations for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, such as suggesting the ideal sleep routine based on my schedule and offering relaxation techniques to minimize stress and promote overall well-being. Even my trainings are more fun. I can challenge myself with younger athletes in augmented reality. This is not only about competition with them, but I can share all my experiences, which AI cannot replace. We are still ahead of AI in emotions, storytelling, and memories from past. Person who doesn´t remember past cannot be successful in future. AI is evidence-based driven. Luckily human beings in 2040 are still combination of emotions and rationality. In this super connected world is building meaningful partnerships inside and outside of organization more important than ever.
In conclusion, the sports organizations of 2040 will foster a transformative environment by empowering youth through equal opportunities, prioritizing holistic development, and utilizing technology to enhance performance. By establishing robust partnerships, these organizations will collaborate with educational institutions, build stronger communities, and engage in global sports diplomacy. Furthermore, a commitment to sustainability, embracing AI driven innovations, and promoting well-being for recreational athletes will ensure a lasting societal impact, shaping a healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious world for generations to come. And the most important- AI will not replace us, but It will help us!