By Mike Rowbottom

jonniepeacockwinsNovember 15 - The first Partner to the Paralympic Games, Ottobock, has marked 25 years at the heart of the Paralympic Movement by pledging its committment for the next quarter-of-a-century.


The pledge came from Professor Hans Georg Nӓder, President and chief executive of the company that has grown into a world leader in solutions for people with limited mobility and 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," said Nader.

"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.

"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 International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This partnership has been extended until the end of 2016.

philipcravenIPC President Sir Philip Craven has welcomed Ottobock's continuing commitment to the Paralympic Movement

"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. Their support has been instrumental to the growth of the Paralympic Movement," said Sir Philip Craven, IPC President.

"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 International Paralympic Committee and Getty Images.

Ken Mainardis, vice-president, Sports Imagery and Services, Getty Images said: "We are delighted to partner with Ottobock on this exhibition.

"As the official photography partner of the Paralympic Games we are honoured to capture the defining moments of triumph and endeavour of these phenomenal and inspirational athletes."

The free exhibition opens to the public at the Ottobock Science Centre in Berlin tomorrow and will run until the end of January 2014.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]