Special Olympics Embraces Tech Transformation 💻
Special Olympics is in the midst of a significant technological overhaul, driven by the athletes it serves. This shift is geared towards enhancing inclusivity and optimizing operations, as reported by Microsoft News.
Athlete-Led Innovation 🏅
Influential athletes like Garrett Utz and Haleigh Sommers, both aged 28, are at the forefront of this change. Utz, acclaimed for his soccer prowess, and Sommers, known for her bowling skills despite cerebral palsy, are actively contributing to the development of Special Olympics’ new digital “center of excellence.” The initiative aims to simplify online sports registration and enhance volunteer mobilization.
- Utz and Sommers play a crucial role in designing the new digital platform.
The Voice of the Athletes
“Even with a disability, my feedback is valued and acted upon,” remarked Sommers. Utz emphasized the need to modernize processes to align with contemporary standards.
Utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365 🛠️
Special Olympics has turned to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales to drive this digital transformation. This AI-powered CRM system enhances client relations and streamlines operations. Athlete and volunteer input play a vital role in shaping the platform to meet their specific requirements.
- The organization leverages Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales for operational efficiency.
The Organization’s Roots and Vision
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics was inspired by Shriver’s sister, Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability. The inaugural International Special Olympics Summer Games aimed to showcase the sporting abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, a vision that continues to guide the organization today.
User-Centered Approach and Prototyping 🎯
The new digital platform has undergone iterative developments based on user feedback. Athletes like Utz have suggested features such as saving work in progress to prevent data loss during registration. Sommers advocated for a more accurate notification system for athletes and volunteers.
- Utz and Sommers actively contribute to enhancing user experience on the platform.
Financial Stewardship and Data Protection
With a focus on financial efficiency, Special Olympics aims to minimize costs while maximizing impact. The adoption of Dynamics 365 Sales, in conjunction with Microsoft Power Apps, supports this objective by reducing ownership costs. Data security is paramount, with Microsoft Azure ensuring secure storage practices.
Future Outlook and AI Integration 🔮
The center of excellence will consolidate health reports, offer a centralized event calendar, and establish a digital channel for volunteer retention and development. This data-driven strategy seeks to address challenges like participation dwindling experienced during the pandemic.
- Special Olympics explores the use of generative AI to enhance operations.
Empowering Employees Through Technology
The integration of Copilot for Microsoft 365 has streamlined workflows, enabling employees like data management specialist Jerry Holy to enhance efficiency in tasks.
Closing Thoughts 🌟
As Special Olympics forges ahead with technological integration led by its athletes, the organization is set to become more inclusive and efficient, paving the way for an even brighter future.
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