Reusable low-cost platform for digitizing and preserving traditional participative sports

Sport is the most universal and accessible of cultural pursuits. European Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) are as diverse as our cultures. This project focuses on two families of TSG - Gaelic and Basque -, that are integral to the fabric of their communities of origin and have successfully staved off the current trend to convergence. It proposes a study of the biomechanics and play dynamics of a number of sports and the creation of capture methodologies which balance cost and effectiveness. The RePlay platform will combine off-the shelf technology and leading-edge studio rigs. It will allow the styles of play of elite sportspersons (national heroes) to be captured with precision for posterity, and amateur sportspersons (local heroes) for the more routine elements of play with inexpensive setups as well as a comparison of the two approaches. Re-Play includes novel 3D rendering and allows interaction for coaching, teaching and entertainment to allow a user practice new basic skills and to emulate their hero. Gaelic and Basque sports are practised internationally and experience high levels of participation amongst all genders and age groups. They also share common techniques and forms of play and thus open the opportunity for the RePlay project results to be applied to other TSGs.

http://www.fp7-replay.eu/index.php/en