From the Snow to the Sand, Ottobock has Para Athletes Covered in 2018

Just a month after the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Ottobock will open its workshop again – this time some 7,000 kilometres to the south, to support para-athletes ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Ottobock joins GC2018 as the Official Prosthetic, Orthotic and Wheelchair Repair Provider and will support the para-athletes with its free technical service for the duration of competition.

GC2018 has the largest integrated para-sports program for any major event which will see up to 300 para-athletes compete in 38 medal events across seven para-sports.

Managing Director, Thomas Much said Ottobock will have over 25 technicians on the Gold Coast, many of whom speak multiple languages, to provide optimal support to para-athletes.

"Our team of experts incorporating orthotics and prosthetics professionals, wheelchair technicians and welders will be available to repair and service prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs so the athletes can concentrate fully on their performance in the competition," he said.

"Our main workshop will be open daily in the Commonwealth Games Village with mobile workshops located at Games venues and training sites to provide help as soon as possible in case of technical problems.

"We’ll also provide around the clock support to ensure any devices athletes need for their everyday routine or to reach the competition can be repaired regardless of the manufacturer."

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) CEO, Mark Peters said GC2018 would provide a safe, independent and dignified experience for athletes, spectators, volunteers, sponsors and media.

"Inspiring inclusion is a key sustainability pillar for GC2018 and we’re focused on making these Games the most accessible and inclusive in history," Mr Peters said.

"Having an integrated sport program is a feature of the Commonwealth Games and I’m looking forward to seeing para-athletes from across the Commonwealth compete for Gold as part of the world class sport on offer during GC2018."

"I welcome Ottobock to the GC2018 Sponsor Family and know that with their major event experience and high level of customer care they will provide a terrific service for athletes during the Games."

About Ottobock

Ottobock develops med-tech products and fitting solutions for people with limited mobility in the areas of prosthetics, orthotics, mobility solutions (wheelchairs, rehab solutions) and medical care. Subsidiaries in more than 50 countries offer ’Made in Germany‘ quality all over the world, and are supported by more than 7,000 employees. Since its founding in 1919 Ottobock has been a family enterprise, and since 1988 Ottobock has supported the Paralympic Games with its technical know-how.

Ottobock has been supporting people with disabilities participate in sports and recreation for more than three decades. Ottobock sportsline includes running blades, specialist knee joints for summer/winter sports and various sports wheelchairs. This enables people with disabilities to enjoy a wide range of running, ball, court, snow and water sports.

Ottobock is the longest serving partner to the Paralympic Games, starting at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, and has been an official Worldwide Partner of the Paralympic Movement since 2005.

For more information, please email media@goldoc.com or contact:

Cobey Moore: +61 447 109 772

Communications and Media Lead

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

Greg Strachan: +61 414 64 64 63

greg.strachan@ottobock.com

Ottobock

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