Ottobock, IPC extend partnership until the end of 2020

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Ottobock have extended their worldwide partnership until the end of 2020.

An international partner since 2005 and the longest serving partner to the Paralympic Games, Ottobock has provided technical services for equipment used by Paralympians since the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, where the company’s ‘Passion for Paralympics’ was born.

Today Ottobock’s Sportsline provides the equipment for Para athletes to enjoy a wide range of Para sports, from athletics to wheelchair basketball. Combined with IPC programmes to increase capacity and professionalism, the two organisations are committed to growing participation at every level and using sport to improve the quality of life and socio-economic opportunities for people living with impairments around the world.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “Ottobock’s ‘Passion for Paralympics’ started when four Australian prosthetists set-up an improvised workshop to support athletes at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games. Since then, they have been involved in every Paralympic Games and in 2005 became the IPC’s first Worldwide Partner.

“Because of their lengthy involvement, I think they, under the leadership of my good friend Professor Hans Georg Näder, have observed more than most the evolution of the Paralympic Movement.

“Through its ‘Quality for Life’ philosophy, Ottobock shares the IPC’s desire to make for a more inclusive society for all. This is why they are such a good partner for the IPC, and I am delighted that Ottobock has agreed to extend their Worldwide Partnership with the IPC for a further four years to beyond the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

“In the 11 years Ottobock has been an IPC worldwide partner, we have seen tremendous growth in the popularity of the Paralympic Games, and the opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport,” said Ottobock President Hans Georg Näder.

“However, there is still a long way to go. Ottobock’s business network spans the globe and over the next four years we are looking forward to working alongside the IPC to strengthen the Paralympic Movement through improved access to mobility equipment and patient care.”

The announcement comes at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where Ottobock has a team of repair technicians providing comprehensive equipment repair services. As the official prosthetic, orthotic and wheelchair technical service provider for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Ottobock opened its technical service repair centre on 31 August and has already completed over 1,000 repairs. The service will continue throughout the Games from repair centres in the Paralympic Athletes’ Village and as well as 14 competition venues.

Built on a foundation of shared values and commitment to quality, extending the partnership for another four years will ensure Paralympic athletes continue to have access to world class technical service and keep the Paralympic Movement going from strength to strength.