“Since Ottobock’s first involvement in the Paralympic Games in 1988, they have grown into one of the Paralympic Movement’s most loyal, trusted and reliable partners.”

Ottobock marked 25 years at the heart of the Paralympic Movement on (15 November) by reflecting on its evolution and sharing details of its commitment to the future.

The pledge, by President and CEO Professor Hans Georg Nader, comes on the 25th anniversary of Ottobock becoming the first partner of the Paralympic Games.

A world leader in solutions for people with limited mobility, Ottobock has provided maintenance and repair services for the equipment used by athletes since the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games.

“In 1988, the Paralympic Games were a short mention in the health section of a newspaper,” Nader said. “Today they attract attention from spectators and media all over the world.

“We have been there from the very beginning and are honoured to have been part of this transformation as a trusted partner to athletes and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Passion for Paralympics has long since become part of our corporate DNA and we are more committed than ever to working with athletes and our partners to grow the Paralympic Movement over the next 25 years.”

In 2005, Ottobock became a Worldwide Partner to the IPC. This partnership has been extended until the end of 2016 and is focused on three key initiatives fundamental to expanding the reach and potential of the Paralympic Movement:

• Technical Service – Each Paralympic Games sees the calibre of competition and demands made by athletes on their equipment and technology increase. The skill and experience of Ottobock’s international team of technicians ensures world-class technical service when athletes need it most.

• Education – The Ottobock Academy provides training for orthotists and prosthetists worldwide to raise the quality of care and equipment for people living with disabilities as the foundation for increased participation in sport.

• Awareness – Based on 90 years in the business and a global presence spanning 111 countries Ottobock has a track record of delivering interactive opportunities to educate, inspire and engage people of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds. The Passion for Paralympics Exhibition is now at the centre of Ottobock’s strategy to create interest in Paralympic sport and change perceptions of disability worldwide.

“Since Ottobock’s first involvement in the Paralympic Games in 1988, they have grown into one of the Paralympic Movement’s most loyal, trusted and reliable partners,” said IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

“Their support has been instrumental to the growth of the Paralympic Movement. The relationship we have is built on the shared values of determination, equality, courage and inspiration. Like the IPC they are absolutely athlete centred and around the world, athletes are eternally grateful to Ottobock and its team of experienced engineers for the superb technical services they have provided during the last quarter of a century.”

To mark the occasion Ottobock has launched an exhibition of Paralympic images in partnership with the IPC and Getty Images.

Members of the Paralympic community and Ottobock family were asked to share their Passion for Paralympics by selecting an image of their favourite Paralympic moment and reflect on the great dedication and pure emotion of the sport. The result is a collection of pictures that celebrate the Paralympic values and the years of inspiration and excitement yet to come.

The free exhibition opens to the public at the Ottobock Science Centre in Berlin on 16 November and will run until the end of January.