Lives were saved using analytics during the Special Olympics.
- Yousef Al Hammadi, CIO, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
WHERE INNOVATION AND INCLUSION TEAM UP
Welcome to the Special Olympics, where athletes of differing abilities compete with determination, where inclusion matters as much as winning, and where confidence increases with every encouraging cheer.
The most recent Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi brought together 7,500 athletes from 190 countries for the chance to compete on the world stage, meet new friends and see new cultures.
For the athletes, the experience was everything. For the organizing committee, the logistics of transporting and accommodating thousands of participants with a range of medical needs was a significant undertaking. Analytics proved essential in helping organizers keep everyone safe, successful and on time.
SUPPORTING ATHLETES
A FOCUS ON ATHLETE HEALTH
To track key medical information, each athlete was given a smartwatch that streamed IoT-level health and location data to a central dashboard where medical professionals could observe everyone. AI solutions further predicted when health issues might occur, allowing equipment, staff and vehicles to be strategically positioned to expedite any issues.
INSPIRING RESULTS
During the weeklong event, organizers responded to 1,529 medical incidents, including seizures and asthma attacks. In some cases, quick response times aided by analytics made the difference between life and death, according to Yousef Al Hammadi, Chief Intelligence Officer of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
The World Games in Abu Dhabi marks the start of the next 50 years of Special Olympics, so we wanted to ensure these games were innovative and technologically advanced.
- Peter Wheeler, CEO, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
SUPPORTING FANS
PREDICTING FAN INTERESTS
Machine learning algorithms analyzed patterns from ticket, travel and guest management systems to predict fan interests. As a result, fans received personalized messages with event recommendations, ticket availability and travel times, among other tips.
Data scientists also analyzed social media data to reveal what fans liked and disliked and responded to any concerns.
INSPIRING RESULTS
Organizers improved communications during the event and made new data-driven policies after the event.
Thanks to Special Olympics World Games, Abu Dhabi 2019 Local Organization Committee for providing some of the photos on this page.
“SAS and the Special Olympics had a common vision to use data for good. Together, we showed the world the value of analytics and AI to serve humanity.”
Yousef Al Hammadi, CIO, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
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