Discover How Virgin Media O2's Innovative AR-Sports Adventure is Transforming the Lives of Local Youth

2023-11-21 09:30:06

An Extraordinary Cyber-Sport Encounter for Coventry's Youth

Virgin Media O2 has united with the Positive Youth Foundation to grant young individuals from Coventry a phenomenal cyber-sport encounter, leveraging cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology to drive interest in physical activities.

The collaboration materialized into an electrifying event where 30 local children partook in a world premiere AR-infused sport, known as Hado, which took place at Leicester's celebrated O2 Academy.

Hado combines the competitive spirit of traditional sports with the thrill of video games, offering players a fusion of virtual and physical gameplay. Participants donned state-of-the-art AR headsets and arm sensors, engaging in a futuristic dodgeball-like game where virtual energy blasts and shields blend seamlessly with real-world action.

Tech-Fueled Sports: Boosting Youth Engagement ⚽

Research conducted by Virgin Media O2 underscores a significant trend among UK youth, suggesting that intertwining technology with sport could substantially increase its appeal. According to a survey of a thousand youngsters, aged 10 to 16, the integration of tech not only increases the probability of them engaging in physical sports by 24% but could also hike their viewership by 25%.

During the Leicester event, children showcased how next-generation technologies are transforming sporting experiences, becoming more inclusive and engaging. In Hado, physical strength doesn't dictate supremacy; instead, the game levels the playing field by pre-coding abilities, ensuring a fair and exciting experience for all players.

In a move to further promote cutting-edge sports tech, Virgin Media O2 supported a national Hado competition for this year's Children in Need. In collaboration with Ericsson, they offered flawless connectivity through a 5G standalone mobile private network, heightening the gaming experience at various UK venues.

Virgin Media O2's CTO, Jeanie York, remarked: "Our support for the Hado tour aligns with our commitment to driving forward digital innovation. Providing these unique, immersive gaming experiences is one way we're inspiring the next generation to connect with technology in fun and active ways."

Nikki Miles, from Positive Youth Foundation, shared: "We were thrilled to partner with Virgin Media O2 for this event. It's fantastic to witness technology's role in motivating more kids to engage in physical activity, particularly for the betterment of their overall well-being."

Jim Septhon of UK Hado added: "Seeing Hado's popularity surge is incredible, and collaborating with Virgin Media O2 for this foundation event has been exceptional. Hado exemplifies how sport can be both accessible and tech-driven, appealing to a broader range of participants."

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To learn more about Virgin Media O2's innovative ventures, visit their official website.

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