#USA #Hong Kong #Phygital Sports #World Phygital Community #Advisory Council

World Phygital Community Establishes Global Advisory Council

The World Phygital Community (WPC), the international regulator governing phygital sports, has made a significant announcement regarding the launch of its inaugural Global Advisory Council. This council is designed to unite experts in sports, innovation, and public policy to establish strategic directions that will foster the growth of phygital sports worldwide.

Phygital sports represent a unique blend of physical competitions with digital elements, thus offering a platform that not only enhances the traditional sporting experience but also creates new avenues for engagement among fans globally. The significance of this council is underscored by its goal to guide the long-term strategy, encourage innovation, and expand global outreach within this evolving field.

Composition of the Council

Initially, the council comprises four pivotal leaders recognized for their contributions across domains such as technology, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. They will advise the WPC on policies, business opportunities, and frameworks that promote sustainable growth in the realm of phygital sports, culminating in showcases like the anticipated Games of the Future.

Dan Merkley, the president and CEO of WPC, remarked, “Phygital sport is not just a new category; it’s a novel way to connect people across the globe through competition.” He emphasized the council's role in marrying traditional sports with technological advancements, ensuring a responsible and inclusive growth trajectory.

The founding members of the council are distinguished in their fields:

• - Bernt Erik Bjontegard: A former space scientist and R&D executive at Qualcomm, Bjontegard has been at the forefront of pioneering projects in mobile communications and spatial technologies. He founded Spark Compass, a platform enhancing fan engagement through augmented reality and IoT. His collaborations include partnerships with global tech giants like Apple and IBM, yielding significant patents aimed at practical implementations in various sectors.

• - David Feng Xintao: An expert in international communications and global sports event coordination, David has substantial experience in supporting the Olympic Movement. He has previously directed protocol, events, and hospitality for several Olympic Games. His role has involved extensive collaboration with key stakeholders across governments and international sports federations.

• - Francline Fonderson: The founder and president of the Cameroonian Association for Technological and Cultural Exchange, Francline has successfully pioneered programs merging traditional and digital sports. Her focus on collaboration with local governments and sponsors has significantly contributed to sustainable pathways for young athletes across Central and West Africa.

• - Jorge O'Ryan Schutz: With a background in sports management and diplomatic relations, Jorge has served as a professional basketball player, president of a significant sports club, and ambassador. His current roles encompass international development endeavors, reflecting his comprehensive expertise in linking sports with global markets.

Scope of the Council's Work

The focus of this Advisory Council will center on four primary areas:
1. Awareness and Advocacy: Increase understanding of WPC initiatives globally.
2. Market Exploration: Identify and advise on new market opportunities.
3. Business Development: Provide insights on the commercial landscape surrounding phygital sports.
4. Regulatory Standards: Contribute to the development of necessary regulatory frameworks.

The council will meet regularly and publish their findings in order to ensure transparency and accountability in their pursuit to propel the phygital sports movement forward. By fostering collaborations among leaders with a shared vision for the sport's future, WPC aims to connect physical abilities with digital innovations, ultimately generating new opportunities for athletes and organizations worldwide.

About World Phygital Community

WPC is a non-profit international organization committed to promoting phygital sports globally, bringing physical and digital communities together. They oversee compliance with regulations and organize qualifying tournaments for the Games of the Future, which has become a highlight within this innovative sector. Additionally, their commitment toward achieving sustainable sports development aligns with their long-term mission.

Games of the Future

Having created a platform for operating in both physical and digital realms, the Games of the Future is an annual international event that aims to highlight the burgeoning field of phygital sports. The upcoming events are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2025 and in Astana in 2026, showcasing emerging phygital sports talents from across the world.

Through this strategic initiative, WPC remains dedicated to enhancing sports opportunities and fostering a unified model that aligns conventional sporting practices with future-oriented technological innovations.