Embracing the spirit of innovation, the web3 community has come together to launch a series of projects that aim to digitally manifest The 2024 Olympics. These initiatives range from Olympic-themed games playable in The metaverse to unique non-fungible token (nft) artworks, making this year’s Olympic experience the most open and inclusive yet, all thanks to the power of blockchain technology.
The Sandbox Brings The Olympics To The metaverse
As an estimated 15 million individuals flock to the physical venue of the Olympics in Paris, The Sandbox steps up to provide a virtual alternative accessible to all. Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder and COO of The Sandbox, explains that the company has rolled out four distinct activations in honor of this year's games.
"The Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many athletes and spectators," Borget noted. "Our aim is to enhance global participation in events like The Olympics, urging people worldwide to build, create, and engage in an experience they might not encounter in person."
Among these activations is the introduction of "The Sandbox Team Uniforms," offering avatar owners a chance to sport stylish athletic-inspired outfits that pay homage to competitive spirit. Borget also shared details about an in-game athletic competition event with enticing rewards like The Sandbox token, SAND, and an exclusive nft torch.
The Olympics Reimaged With nft Artworks
Paris sees the unveiling of the Artverse gallery that showcases nft works capturing the vibrancy and agility of Olympic sports through digital art. Grida Jang, the Gallery Director, emphasizes the celebration of the Olympics through captivating exhibitions by artists like Tommy Hollenstein and Foodmasku that blend digital art and the Olympic ethos.
Hollenstein, known for his unique painting technique with wheelchair wheels, and Foodmasku, recognized for creating masks using food materials, add a distinct flavor to the nft artworks. Jang stresses the theme of inclusion at this year's Paris Olympics, shedding light on marginalized individuals through art that is accessible to all.
Jang revealed that each physical artwork sold at the gallery is authenticated as an nft using Transient Labs' TRACE chips, ensuring ownership and authenticity while demystifying digital art for newcomers.
web3 Wellness Ring Worn by Olympic Athletes
Adding to the Olympic grandeur, CUDIS debuts a web3 fitness ring that several athletes will wear during the games. Edison Chen, CEO of CUDIS, highlighted the ring's integration of web3 features, enabling athletes to track performance while earning crypto rewards.
The intuitive nature of the CUDIS ring simplifies the transition for athletes into the web3 space, fostering a sense of community and well-being. The "Pro Athlete Ambassador Program" launched by CUDIS aims to promote wellness and build a supportive web3 community while engaging athletes like Kate Knifton, a dedicated Olympic rower.
Knifton expressed enthusiasm for the CUDIS ring's AI coach feature, which provides personalized sleep recommendations and rewards for consistent use, further enhancing the athlete's performance and well-being.
