Para Tri announces Ottobock UK as its first official sponsor
Para Tri, the UK’s first ever stand-alone mass-participation sports event dedicated to disabled people, has partnered with global mobility specialist Ottobock UK for its inaugural event on 9 August 2015.
Para Tri is the first in a wider series of events planned beyond 2015, which will include a Para Swim and a Para Run/Push. The series gives the 9.4 million disabled people in England alone more opportunities to participate in the burgeoning mass-participation market.
‘We are delighted that Ottobock UK has recognised the importance and potential magnitude of this trailblazing series,’ says Para Tri founder and Paralympian Sophia Warner. ‘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.’
The first Para Tri, to be held at the London 2012 rowing and canoeing venue, builds on the legacy of the Paralympics, but with one fundamental difference – it isn’t just for the elite. It gives the one million disabled people who already participate in sport regularly, and the millions who want to be more active, the chance to come together, compete and have fun on a dedicated playing field for the first time.
As well as four individual events there are three relays that enable friends, family and colleagues, disabled and non-disabled, to face the challenge together, as long as there is one disabled person per team.
‘Para Tri is the realisation of a long-held dream that was inspired by taking part in many mass-participation events over the years,’ continues Sophia Warner. ‘This is an exciting opportunity to make sport as fun as I know it can be for everyone.’
A world leader in innovative solutions for people with limited mobility, Ottobock UK will also provide technical support for all Para Tri participants on the day. It will be conducting various repairs to equipment throughout the day, such as wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs damaged in competition for an estimated 500 participants. Ottobock has been a partner to the Paralympic Games since 1988, and providing technical service for Para Tri Ottobock UK is continuing this tradition.
“Ottobock has been supporting people with disabilities participate in sports and recreation for more than three decades,’ states Phil Yates, Managing Director at Ottobock UK. ‘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.”
