Senate evaluates measure to integrate technology in sports

Senate Committee on Youth, Recreation, and Sports, chaired by Senator Rafael “Rafy” Santos Ortiz and author of Bill 705.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Senate Committee on Youth, Recreation, and Sports, chaired by Senator Rafael “Rafy” Santos Ortiz, reviewed a bill aimed at promoting innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the sports sector. The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 705, authored by Senator Santos himself.

“The goal is for Puerto Rico not to fall behind in the technological revolution of sports, benefiting both elite athletes and grassroots levels with tools that allow them to compete on equal footing internationally. We know that other countries are far ahead in this area. Puerto Rico cannot be an exception, and we want to ensure that this integration of technology and AI is done gradually, so we don’t fall behind. Our athletes have great potential,” emphasized Santos.

Juan Carlos García Rivera, representing the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD), testified in support of the measure but offered some recommendations. “At the DRD, we always support initiatives like this one that seek to explore or incorporate improvements and progress in the fields of recreation and sports in Puerto Rico. However, clarifications are needed regarding the use of technology and artificial intelligence to benefit athletes and sports practices in general,” he stated.

García pointed out that in the realm of high-performance sports, “The proposed language needs to clarify that the use of advanced technologies to enhance athletic performance applies specifically to high-performance athletes, whom the agency does not work with directly.”

He added that the DRD can still consider recommendations related to integrating advanced technologies into an elite athlete’s training methods in collaboration with their coach.

García also noted that incorporating technology and artificial intelligence into sports is a progressive topic that has been inconsistently addressed in Puerto Rico. “Implementing advanced technologies that our elite athletes currently have to seek abroad is necessary. Additionally, educating sports coaches on how to leverage technology and AI to benefit athletes and sports practices is crucial.” He advocated for the financial resources needed for effective implementation.

When Santos asked what specific mechanisms the DRD proposes to establish technology for high-performance athletes, García responded that the institute, the educational branch of the DRD, continues to integrate technology. “In the last three conventions we’ve held, we’ve brought in AI experts.”

He also mentioned the challenge of integrating technology for older adults, a demographic served by the DRD. Furthermore, he added, “Integrating AI within a theoretical framework and educating about it from an early age will bring long-term benefits. We’re not just talking about sports—we’re also discussing administrative processes, especially as our workforce shrinks and we must find new ways to comply with laws and regulations.”

Santos inquired about the cost of implementing the technology. García indicated that the investment for an application ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. “In terms of actual implementation—that’s where we would need support to figure out how to reduce costs,” he explained.

Alba Norys De León Quiñones, president of the organization ABLATEK, which works in technology, also testified. “Academic literature confirms that implementing AI in sports organizations generates significant transformations in the job market, creating new professional opportunities that require individuals to develop new competencies or transition into roles demanding a deeper understanding of AI technologies,” she said.

Regarding observations on the bill, De León highlighted the need for technological incentives to have clear metrics for evaluating implementation—such as annual investment, the number of athletes benefited, equipped facilities, and injury reduction.

She recommended broadening the scope of technological applications to include advanced biomechanics, wearable devices, predictive analytics, and integrated platforms. De León emphasized the importance of strategic alliances and acknowledged the value of public-private partnerships. She recommended establishing precise governance mechanisms, partner selection criteria, and oversight committees involving the DRD, academia, and the private sector. She also proposed creating sports AI labs with hands-on training spaces and suggested partnerships with universities to establish these. A phased implementation schedule was advised, including certifying DRD employees as AI instructors.

Santos then requested additional recommendations for implementing technology, stating, “The diagnosis. That’s my recommendation—that the DRD, whether with internal or external personnel, assess the situation.”