Ottobock Reinforces Commitment to Paralympics as Supporter of LA28 Games

Ottobock: Elevating the Paralympic Movement as Official LA28 Supporter

In a significant development for the Paralympic community, Ottobock, a global leader in medical technology focusing on prosthetics, exoskeletons, and neuro-orthotics, has been appointed as an Official Supporter of the LA28 Paralympic Games. This partnership not only extends Ottobock's long-standing commitment to enhancing athletes’ experiences at the Paralympic Games but also positions the company at the forefront of promoting accessibility in sports.

For nearly 40 years, Ottobock has provided free maintenance and repair workshops at the Paralympic Games. This has allowed athletes to receive prompt assistance for their prostheses, orthotics, and wheelchairs, ensuring they can compete at their highest levels. As the Official Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Wheelchair Repair Service Provider for LA28, Ottobock’s dedicated technicians will again be on-site to offer timely interventions that enhance performance and significantly improve the athlete experience.

Peter Franzel, Head of Global Events, Exhibitions, and Sports at Ottobock, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "For us, this relationship is more than just about providing technical services; it’s about building trust and reliability to help athletes perform at their best on a global stage." With a history deeply intertwined with the Paralympic movement, Ottobock aims to convey its message of accessibility and mobility to a broad audience through this collaboration.

The partnership goes beyond mere service provision. As Ileana Rodriguez, Vice President of Paralympic Strategy and Relations for LA28 and a Paralympian herself, indicated, it is a shared mission to expand access to sports for everyone. This endeavor especially resonates in the United States, where there is a vibrant community focused on adaptive sports and mobility innovations.

Jan-Philip Rahmann, Executive Director of Marketing and Digital Sales at Ottobock North America, emphasized the company's commitment to community engagement. Initiatives like Full Circle Movement, which include events designed for individuals with limb loss or limb differences, create opportunities for personal connection and athletic exploration. Ottobock encourages individuals to experience cutting-edge prosthetic technology, receive guidance from adaptive sports coaches, and, most importantly, connect with like-minded communities.

A key figure in bridging the worlds of traditional and adaptive sports is Ezra Frech, a Paralympic champion and Ottobock Ambassador. He believes that Los Angeles has the potential to set an example for inclusive sports that resonate all the way from grassroots to the Paralympic level. Frech co-founded Angel City Sports, which aims to elevate the profile of adaptive sports in America and inspire future generations to pursue their athletic dreams.

As Los Angeles prepares to host the world in 2028, Ottobock's enhanced partnership reflects a collective aim to transform perceptions related to disability and sports. The commitment to accessibility is paramount; Ottobock stands firm in its belief that sport must be inclusive, allowing everyone the chance to participate, compete, and thrive.

The LA28 Games will mark a historic occasion as Los Angeles becomes the first city to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the third time. In addition, it will be the first Paralympic Games hosted in this vibrant city, expected to unite over 15,000 athletes in a remarkable celebration of culture and athleticism.

With its deep-rooted history beginning in Berlin in 1919 and spanning 45 countries, Ottobock is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that improve mobility and quality of life for individuals of all abilities. Driven by a strong framework of research and development, the company has a portfolio enriched with over 2,600 patents. As a pioneer in the field of human bionics, Ottobock's focus is on realizing its mission to foster freedom of movement—a commitment intrinsically tied to its support for the Paralympics since 1988.

As the date of the LA28 Games approaches, Ottobock's active role highlights not just its dedication to its services but a vision of a world where sport is accessible to all, affirming the belief that movement is indeed for everyone.