Para Tri signs up Ottobock UK as first official sponsor

Sophia Warner, pictured centre with Para Tri ambassadors Iwan Thomas and Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi ©Para Tri

Ottobock UK has signed up to become the first official sponsor of the United Kingdom’s first ever stand-alone mass-participation disability sports event, Para Tri.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) partner, which was also an official provider for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, will support the inaugural Para Tri event on August 9 this year by helping to repair equipment, such as wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs, damaged in competition throughout the day.

“Ottobock has been supporting people with disabilities participate in sports and recreation for more than three decades,” said Ottobock managing director Phil Yates.

“We are very excited to use this experience to be part of the very first event in the series.

“Ottobock UK offers a range of equipment to help people living with disability to lead active, independent lives.

“To see so many people taking part in this exciting event will be truly inspiring.”

Para Tri was founded by British Paralympian Sophia Warner, who is also an IPC Athletics World and European Championships medallist.

This year’s first edition forms part of a wider series of events, including a Para Swim and a Para Run/Push, with the initiative set to give the 9.4 million disabled people in England alone more opportunities to participate in mass-participation competitions.

Para Tri will be staged at the London 2012 rowing and canoeing venue of Dorney Lake, Windsor to build on the Paralympic legacy and it is not just for elite athletes, with some 500 participants expected.

As well as four individual Paratriathlon events, there will be three relays for friends, families and colleagues, both disabled and non-disabled, as long as there is one disabled person per team.

“We are delighted that Ottobock UK has recognised the importance and potential magnitude of this trailblazing series,” Warner said.

“There is currently a significant gap in the market and we look forward to working closely with Ottobock to develop our series from the very beginning.

“Para Tri is the realisation of a long-held dream that was inspired by taking part in many mass-participation events over the years.

“This is an exciting opportunity to make sport as fun as I know it can be for everyone.”

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