CompetencIA

Transforming Lives Through Sports and AI

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On June 11, the results of the 8th edition of the Innova Program were announced. Out of 257 submitted initiatives, 59 organizations were selected to implement their projects in the social, cultural, and rural sectors. Among them is “CompetencIA. North-South Women’s Adaptive Sports: AI for Developing Socio-Emotional Skills”, an innovative and inclusive project spearheaded by Asociación SAMAY, Human AI Tech, and Asociación Innovactoras. This initiative focuses on inclusive sports and technological innovation.

The CompetencIA project will launch in October 2024 and run until August 2026 in two distinct contexts: Navarra, Spain, and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Its primary goal is to foster the development of socio-emotional skills by combining adaptive sports with artificial intelligence.

Innovative, Inclusive, and Social Projects

The Innova Program, led by Fundación Caja Navarra and Fundación “la Caixa,” aims to support projects that promote innovative, inclusive, and social development in the Autonomous Community of Navarra, aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This program seeks to encourage transformative social, cultural, and local initiatives. It fosters training, critical reflection, collaboration across entities and sectors, and provides financial support to projects that advance inclusion and sustainable development goals.

Inclusive Sports, Humanized Technology: Goals of the CompetencIA Project

  • 1. Inclusion and Humanized Technology

Adaptive sports serve not only as a powerful tool for social inclusion but also as a platform for developing essential socio-emotional skills. With the support of artificial intelligence, this project aims to maximize these benefits, offering participants an enriching and transformative experience.

  • 2. International Implementation and Validation

Between 2025 and 2026, the project’s AI tool will be validated in two different settings:

  • Navarra, Spain: Collaboration with 80 athletes with disabilities.
  • Quetzaltenango, Guatemala: Engagement with 80 young individuals with disabilities in a rural context through SAMAY’s Adaptive Sports Camps.
  • 3. Focus on Gender Equality

A key feature of CompetencIA is its emphasis on female inclusion. Approximately 60% of participants will be women. Additionally, the project will introduce new recognition categories in the Innovactoras Awards to honor outstanding women in this field.

  • 4. Publications and Recognitions

In 2026, a book will be published celebrating the women recognized through the project and presenting its scientific findings. This publication will serve as a valuable reference for future research and practices in adaptive sports and artificial intelligence.

Sustainable Development Goals

The CompetencIA project aligns with several goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda:

  • Promoting mental health and socio-emotional well-being (SDG 3): Through adaptive sports, the project strengthens participants’ mental health and socio-emotional competencies. Sports serve as a powerful tool for personal and emotional development.
  • Encouraging technology use while advancing gender equality (SDG 5): By integrating artificial intelligence and information and communication technologies (ICT), the project fosters a more inclusive and equitable environment. Humanized technology plays a pivotal role in closing the gender gap.
  • Ensuring equal opportunities for all (SDG 10): The initiative focuses on creating equal opportunities regardless of gender, geographical location, or physical abilities. It will involve 160 athletes with disabilities committed to unlocking their full potential.

We anticipate that CompetencIA will have a significant impact on the communities involved, transforming lives through adaptive sports and artificial intelligence. By promoting inclusion, equality, innovation, and socio-emotional development, we aim to build a more humanized society. Are you ready to join us?

As the project unfolds, we’ll share updates and results with our community on social media.