European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023 Athletes to Receive NFT Rewards
These personalized NFTs, issued by Atos, will be downloadable through the official Games application, marking a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into sports competitions.
NFTs Revolutionize Athlete Rewards
The European Olympic Committee's technology partner, Atos, has introduced an innovative initiative for the European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023. The 7,000 athletes competing in the event will receive non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a form of recognition for their achievements. These NFTs will be issued alongside the traditional physical gold, silver, and bronze medals, providing athletes with verifiable and immutable proof of their accomplishments.
The NFT rewards will be personalized participation diplomas, which athletes can download directly from the official Games application. Additionally, those who earn medals will have the opportunity to download them as unique digital collectibles. This marks a significant advancement in utilizing blockchain technology to enhance the recognition and collectibility of athlete achievements.
Paving the Way for Future NFT Monetization
Beyond the current European Games edition, the project serves as a stepping stone towards broader NFT integration and monetization in future editions of the event and other regional sports competitions. By exploring the potential of NFTs, the European Games seek to drive innovation on behalf of the Olympic Movement, providing new opportunities for National Olympic Committees and European athletes.
Hasan Arat, EOC Executive Committee Member, emphasized the role played by Atos and EBU (European Broadcasting Union) in spearheading this technological advancement. The strategic partnership with Atos facilitated the implementation of the innovative framework, ensuring seamless integration of NFT rewards into the Games.
Nacho Moros, COO of Atos Major Events, reiterated the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.
Glen Killane, EBU Executive Director of Eurovision Sport, highlighted how the NFT platform opens up new possibilities for athletes to engage with content, particularly appealing to the tech-savvy young generation of athletes. The offering also enables the organization to reach sports fans across diverse markets, including tapping into the NFT market, representing a new frontier of fan engagement.
