With the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 imminent, excitement is not solely confined to the football. Fans and staff are set to benefit from the Active Match App’s launch – a forward-thinking tool designed to promote physical fitness during the tournament. Developed by Newcastle-based firm Gospelware, in collaboration with UEFA, it’s shaping up to be a game-changer in sports event experiences.
This innovative app encourages walking or cycling to matches across seven Dutch cities, aligning with broader public health goals. By doing so, it leads fans to embrace healthier lifestyles while engaging with their favourite sport. This initiative is poised to become a benchmark in integrating technology with fitness at major sporting events.
Innovative Fitness Solutions at UEFA Women’s EURO 2017
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 is set to be an exciting tournament not just on the pitch, but off it as well, thanks to a new initiative aimed at promoting health and fitness among fans and staff. The Active Match App, developed by Newcastle’s own Gospelware in partnership with the European Healthy Stadia Network, UEFA, and the World Heart Federation, is leading this charge. Built with sophisticated technology, the app uses GPS tracking to monitor how users travel to the games, encouraging walking or cycling by validating the mode of transport and offering incentives such as tournament ball draws.
The Technology Behind the Active Match App
Understanding the underpinning technology of the Active Match App reveals the forward-thinking nature of Gospelware’s development approach. This app is not only capable of providing real-time directions to venues but also tracks the distance travelled, calories burnt, and CO2 emissions saved, fostering a deeper understanding of physical activity benefits. Michael Dunn, Gospelware’s founder, highlights the app’s ability to differentiate between walking, cycling, and driving using advanced GPS settings. This ensures authenticity in the activity reported by users, thereby maintaining integrity in the app’s competitive elements.
Health Initiatives in Women’s Sports
The collaboration with the European Healthy Stadia Network underscores a significant milestone in promoting public health within women’s sports. With women’s football garnering increased visibility, it is vital to encourage healthier lifestyles among fans. The Active Match App not only motivates spectators to leave their cars at home but also aligns with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for daily physical activity. The app’s ability to influence behavioural change is central to its design, as noted by Matthew Philpott, executive director of the Healthy Stadia Network, who envisions an active culture taking root among fans.
UEFA’s Commitment to Health and Social Responsibility
UEFA’s dedication to enhancing public health and encouraging sustainable modes of transport is evidenced by its support of the Active Match App. Peter Gilliéron, chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, expresses UEFA’s commitment by illustrating how walking and cycling are perfectly viable choices for matchdays. Through their partnership, UEFA aims to broaden the scope of healthy living among European sports fans, championing an era where fitness is integral to sports attendance. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in marrying sports with health advocacy.
Challenges and Opportunities for Gospelware
The success of the Active Match App brings both challenges and opportunities for Gospelware as they forge a reputation for developing impactful technological solutions. While the app’s uptake among fans will serve as a measure of success, Gospelware’s broader portfolio, including collaborations with the NHS, BBC, and Nissan, showcases their capability in navigating complex technological landscapes. The app’s deployment at a prestigious event like the UEFA Women’s EURO puts Gospelware in an advantageous position to attract future projects and clients who are keen on innovative and socially responsible tech solutions.
A Look Into the Future of Sports and Fitness Integration
The launch of the Active Match App during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 heralds a new era in the intersection of sports, health, and technology. Encouraging fans to embrace cycling and walking, it sets a precedent for future sporting events. This approach not only addresses health issues but also tackles environmental concerns by promoting low-carbon transport options. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this app will be essential in crafting a sustainable and health-conscious future for sports events. The ripple effect of this innovation could inspire similar developments in other sporting arenas around the globe.
Conclusion
In sum, Gospelware’s collaboration with UEFA and the European Healthy Stadia Network through the Active Match App exemplifies a significant stride towards integrating health-conscious practices within sports events. Such initiatives are crucial as they dovetail the excitement of sports with the imperative of healthy living, offering a model that other sports bodies might emulate. This groundbreaking app not only enhances the spectator experience but also fosters a cultural shift towards sustainability and wellbeing.
Summing up, the Active Match App is a pioneering step towards merging sporting excitement with health and wellness advocacy. Its development by Gospelware positions them as leaders in tech-driven health solutions at major events. This initiative is a promising model for future sporting occasions, underlining the importance of integrating healthy practices within the fan experience.