SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS “Going Beyond Barriers” SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS “Going Beyond Barriers”
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From left to right: Bob van der Horst, Xela Dafauce Bouzó,
and Simon van de Fliert (from The University of Hull*)
*As of when the SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS project started

The team of Bob van der Horst, Xela Dafauce Bouzó and Simon van de Fliert was chosen as the SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS representing Europe. All in Team Europe have different backgrounds: Bob and Simon are from the Netherlands, and Xela is from Spain. Moreover, Simon studies computer science, Xela, sports and health science, and Bob, humanities at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.

The idea came up when the three were watching judo matches. Xela is very familiar with judo, while Bob and Simon were not interested in it because they did not know the rules. Once Xela showed them the rules while watching the matches through the night, however, the two became big judo fans.

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Idea

“REFEREE TRANSLATOR”

Barrier

A lack of understanding of competitive sports by home viewers and live spectators

Target

Unexperienced home viewers or live spectators with access to a smartphone , laptop or tablet device

Solution

App that use motion sensor technology to translate the action of the referee in real time

Presentation Movie

Presentation Movie

Prototype

With technological support from Panasonic, the European team created a prototype for their idea. Motion sensors worn by referees capture their movements during the match, and the application automatically translates the referees’ gestures. In addition, through a game function in which a match is simulated and the user becomes the referee, the application also helps people enjoy understanding sports events.

photo: “REFEREE TRANSLATOR”

Prototype

With technological support from Panasonic, the European team created a prototype for their idea. Motion sensors worn by referees capture their movements during the match, and the application automatically translates the referees’ gestures. In addition, through a game function in which a match is simulated and the user becomes the referee, the application also helps people enjoy understanding sports events.

photo: “REFEREE TRANSLATOR”

From Advisors

At the Final Presentation livestreamed worldwide, the team honed their idea by discussing with advisors, who had various perspectives.

Epilogue

photo: Xela Dafauce Bouzó photo: Xela Dafauce Bouzó

When I first heard of this program, I believed that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bob, Simon and I talked about it all night, and we ended up with this great idea.

We won the European preliminaries in Paris and focused on developing the idea for the Final Presentation. Everything seemed to be fine. However, in the wake of COVID-19, the university ordered international students to return home. It was so hard, and we were pulling our hair out about how we should continue. But we never wanted to compromise on quality. We never wanted to give up. That’s why we held discussions online almost every day after returning to our countries.

What I learned in the meantime is that we have potential. The SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS project gave me confidence in myself, allowed me to pursue my dream, and pushed me forward. If you ever think about joining this program, I wholly recommend it. You have to work really hard, but something wonderful will come along and you will feel rewarded. You can also meet many people from all over the world and listen to those who are as highly motivated as you. SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS is the best opportunity for you to grow.

I keep working what I want because it's possible,
it's there.

Xela Dafauce Bouzó, SPORTS CHANGE MAKER representing Europe

The students have just begun taking on new challenges.
There will be many difficulties and hardships for those entering the workforce.
Hoping that this SPORTS CHANGE MAKERS project will provide clues as to how they will overcome the barriers that may await them, we shall further pursue our activities.

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