Degree Hosts First-Ever Marathon in the Metaverse

Degree Deodorant hosted the first-ever marathon in the metaverse on April 26th. The brand recruited Recording Artist Fat Joe and Paralympic Athlete Blake Leeper for the virtual event, and help promote inclusivity.

Why?

According to Degree, 60% of people feel that virtual worlds lack inclusivity, and many are calling for more accessibility.

The Metaverse is still in its early stages of development—so Degree partnered with Decentraland to help shape the standard of inclusivity and representation in the virtual world.

Together with Decentraland, Grammy-nominated recording artist Fat Joe (Joseph Antonio Cartagena), and Paralympic Athlete Blake Leeper hosted the Degree Metathon– the world's-first marathon in the Metaverse.

Following the Metathon event, the brand will expand on this initial work and partner with additional experts on disability, race, and gender inclusion.

Together, they will aim to advocate for solutions and to action inclusive changes that allow everyone to see themselves represented as movers in the Metaverse, such as: adding audio description for people with visual impairments, implementing a non-binary experience when creating an avatar, constructing a variety of body shapes and sizes, and more.

"As a person with disabilities and a professional runner, I am so excited to take part in the Degree Metathon," said Eight-Time Paralympic Medalist Blake Leeper. "Showing people in the virtual world who are running with blades and other prostheses is something that I think will inspire confidence in people with disabilities to get involved and feel welcome to join in on this experience, and will ultimately contribute to increased representation."

Degree chose to work with iconic hip-hop artist and musician Fat Joe because of his advocacy for representation – both inside and outside the music and entertainment industry – as well as his reputation as a bridge-builder for various communities across the country.

"As the metaverse continues to evolve, it's important that the virtual world mirrors the representation in our everyday communities," said Grammy-Winning Rap Artist Fat Joe. "From different body shapes to cultures to physical abilities, inclusion is key to making people feel welcome. I'm proud to take part in the Degree® Metathon™ and highlight this important message, so everyone feels comfortable and accepted in the metaverse."

What's next?

Degree exemplifies its purpose through the Breaking Limits Program—a five-year, $5 million commitment to transform lives through the power of movement.

The Program supports youth sports organizations, whose members face the biggest barriers to being active – including barriers due to race, sexual orientation, disabilities, financial limitations, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and more. It provides them with access to coaches and mentors, along with safe spaces to move.

The Program brings to life the brand's aim to empower millions of young people to transform their lives through the power of movement by 2030.