Legend and WBSC deliver digital trophies in accessible audio format for Blind Baseball International Cup 2024 winners

In an innovative collaboration, Legend and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) will deliver digital trophies in MP3, an accessible audio format, to the winners of the WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup 2024.

This marks a groundbreaking milestone for the global sports community, highlighting integration and accessibility in sports through the use of cutting-edge digital technology.

Digital medals will be awarded to the top three teams, along with a special version trophy for the winning team, Cuba. In addition, individual honors will be recognised with digital trophies for the Most Valuable Player, Leading Hitter, Outstanding Defensive Player and Best Youth Player categories.

The WBSC has been a pioneer in the delivery of digital trophies, an achievement that was highlighted by the International Olympic Committee, for its innovative approach to sustainability in sports.

The WBSC and Legend introduced digital trophies as a more sustainable alternative to physical medals. The production of physical trophies and medals can contribute to environmental degradation and carbon emissions due to the materials used and transportation.

This initiative aims to set a new standard for inclusivity in sports, offering participants a unique and accessible way to celebrate their achievements. The MP3 format ensures that athletes with visual impairments can fully engage with their awards, making this a true integration of technology and accessibility.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari commented: “Blind Baseball is a remarkable discipline that highlights the strength, inclusiveness and universal appeal of our sport. The athletes, have exemplified the highest levels of competition, demonstrating extraordinary skill, determination, and sportsmanship, and now with this innovative awards produced by Legend, we can recognise, not only the great performances of the athletes but also their special place in our sporting community."

This achievement follows the precedent set at the Parapan American Games Santiago 2023, where athletes placing from first to eighth received digital diplomas, also available in MP3 format.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) began awarding digital trophies to its champions in 2022 at the inaugural WBSC Baseball5 World Cup in Mexico City and first-ever Virtual Cup in Seoul, Korea.

WBSC and Legend continue to lead the way in using technology to make sports more inclusive and sustainable, marking another important moment in sports history.