“At last it’s official, after countless unsourced news reports and rumours: Spectators from abroad will be barred from the postponed Tokyo Olympics when they open in four months…” [ESPN] One day ago, sports news around the world delivered the bad news.
TBWA\NZ and ANZ are enabling spectators to unite virtually during the Games and show their support for athletes together. The wearable device called the ANZ Support Band was originally developed by TBWA\NZ to connect Kiwi fans who can’t travel and New Zealand’s athletes at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. Upholding the Olympic ideal of friendship, solidarity and fair play, the band is now being offered to Games fans globally. The lack of fan presence and the support they bring led to the decision by ANZ, with support from the New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic Teams, to open source the technology that the bank and TBWA spent more than 18-months developing, for the rest of the world to use.
The ANZ Support Band uses Bluetooth technology to allow fans at home to send support to athletes in Tokyo by tapping their device or through the New Zealand Team app. Athletes will receive the vibration of support via their own wristband.
“We’re all part of the global Olympic family and not having our friends and families with us will impact us all – whether we’re representing New Zealand or any one of the world’s 206 Olympic nations,” stated Kereyn Smith, chief executive officer and secretary general of the NZ Olympic Team.
“Wherever they are from, athletes have worked incredibly hard to get to Tokyo and to be expected to perform without the physical presence of loved ones and fans will be tough, so we’re grateful to be able to provide a way for them to still feel the support they deserve. That’s why ANZ decided to open up the technology for all to use. Right now, we and the world’s athletes need this more than ever.”
TBWA\NZ chief creative officer, Shane Bradnick, added “It’s well known the crucial role touch plays in our wellbeing. Whether support, respect or empathy, it’s something we’ve all missed and something we know our athletes will miss at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. The ANZ Support Band aims to bridge that gap by showing our athletes that we’re thinking of them and supporting them through a tiny pulse on the wrist.
“ANZ, New Zealand Olympic Team, New Zealand Paralympic Team, Satellite Media, Gladeye and our TBWA teams have all done an incredible job in creating this technology to help connect our athletes with their fans. We’re thrilled to be able to open up this unique technology so other sports teams around the world can use it to feel the support of their fans. This is another example of Kiwis leading the way and showing thoughtfulness and generosity to the global community. In the meantime we can’t wait for the games and to make this available for Kiwis and athletes alike later in the year.”
The technology has been developed with input from a number of current Olympians and Paralympians. This includes sprint cyclist and Rio Silver medallist, Sam Webster. “As an athlete, you thrive off the energy a crowd can bring. Without that support its tough, I love the fact we are giving away this incredible technology so my fellow athletes from around the globe have the chance to feel their fans’ support too.”
Antonia Watson, chief executive officer of ANZ New Zealand, added, ““In Tokyo, all national teams will be facing the same challenges and we know the difference the support from fans and loved ones can make. This is why we wanted to make sure athletes wherever they are from could still receive that support and fans could show their teams they are right behind them even though they may not be there physically. This is why we’re opening up the technology behind the ANZ Support Band.
“While we are very excited about what the ANZ Support Band can do for the NZ Paralympic team, the NZ Olympic team, and Kiwi fans, we’re also very aware of this wider need to connect fans and athletes around the world. As New Zealanders we’d be proud to share this technology to help.”
Credits:
Client: ANZ Bank New Zealand
Creative Agency: TBWA\NZ
Support Band Tech Partner: Satellite Media
NZ Team App Developer: Gladeye
Creative Production: TBWA\Bolt
Public Relations: TBWA\Eleven PR
Find more information about the support band here.
