Issue 120 • 16 May 2016 sportsmanagement.co.uk
INNOVATION 55
Game changers A look at the technology and innovation currently making waves across the world of sport
The programme is aimed at 5-14 year-olds
Holiday with Juventus
Whipper has been credited as the world’s first smart climbing tracker
Whipping up a storm in climbing tracking A pioneering new tracking device is attempting to do for climbers what Fitbit does for runners. Hailed as the world’s first smart climbing tracker, Whipper has been designed specifically for rock climbers to keep track of their climbing. It also doubles up as a personal coach tasked with improving skills. Whipper provides the stats climbers need to help advance their climbing technique and endurance. Users clip it on their harnesses and let the technology do the rest. Users can check out their vertical foot gain, incline, pace, effort level, altitude and more on the accompanying app. Laura Kassovic, Whipper CEO, says: “I love to climb but I always
need a little push to get me to the gym early in the morning. The Whipper motivates me to become a stronger climber and helps me train for my three-day Yosemite expedition this summer”. The tech has been designed to cater for climbers of all skill levels. The smart coach feature on the app provides performancebased advice, training modes, and supplemental exercises. Whipper also includes a range of social tools to aid in improvement and has been launched with the intention of creating a community around the app. Whipper users have the option to challenge friends, find a partner, track team progress and find events. www.thewhipper.com
Italian champion Juventus is looking to expand its brand through a new venture in hospitality and tourism. The club – which this year secured its record 32nd Serie A title – has teamed up with hotel, spa and resort operator Italian Hospitality Collection to offer resort-based training at the Chia Laguna resort in Sardinia. The Juventus Training Experience is aimed at young footballers aged between five and 14 years old and will be led by renowned Italian football player and Juventus legend Fabrizio Ravanelli. Taking place throughout the 2016 summer season, the five-day courses are being marketed as a one-off opportunity for keen young footballers to have fun and hone their ball skills under the expert coaches of one of the world’s most legendary football teams. As well as ball skills and technique, young players will be taught the importance of working as a team and focus will also be placed on the importance of nutrition and a healthy diet in every sport activity. www.juventus.com/ en/j-academy
Turn over: More game changers