Ottobock’s Travelling Exhibition Moves to Scotland

The IPC and Ottobock’s interactive exhibition, “Passion for Paralympics,” moved to the Glasgow Science Centre for two weeks. 26 Apr 2012

A picture of two person showing how to use a Handybike

The Ottobock exhibition has been making its way around the UK heading into the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸOttobock

By IPC

“We’re delighted to share our passion and excitement for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.”

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Ottobock launched the travelling exhibition, “Passion for Paralympics,” in Scotland on Thursday (26 April).

The exhibition was opened in Scotland by the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, and will be housed at the Glasgow Science Centre until 9 May.

The exposition, designed to raise awareness of Paralympic Sport and its athletes heading into the London 2012 Games, will tour the UK regions during the spring and summer. It offers the public a chance to learn about the technology, history and spirit behind the Games.

It includes stories of Paralympic and recreational athletes who use prosthetic limbs; an interactive display exploring the relationship between mood and gait; and a history of Ottobock’s 24 years of involvement with the Paralympic Movement.

Interactive exhibits provide visitors with a hands-on experience of the most exciting Paralympic sports, include one designed to enable visitors to feel the strength required to power a carbon-fibre running blade and compare results with the Paralympic athletes who use that technology.

In addition, visitors will have the chance to take part in a handcycling race and add their speed to a leaderboard where they can compare it with other racers around the country.

“We’re delighted to share our passion and excitement for the London 2012 Paralympic Games,” said Philip Yates, Managing Director of Ottobock UK.

“So far, 11 Scottish athletes have been named to the ParalympicsGB team for the London 2012 Paralympic Games and greater awareness of Paralympic sport in Scotland will provide an enormous boost to their preparations. The Ottobock and IPC “Passion for Paralympics” exhibition provides the public the opportunity to learn about the London 2012 Paralympic Games and show their support for the Scottish athletes who will be competing.”

The opening of the event in Scotland was attended by British Football 7-a-Side player Jonathan Paterson and Boccia playing brothers Stephen and Peter McGuire, three of the first Scottish athletes named to the British squad for London 2012. Mandeville, the London 2012 Paralympic mascot, was also at the event, as well as local students.

Following its stay in Scotland, the exhibition will visit Manchester between from 14-27 May. It will then open in London at the Westfield London shopping centre from 27 July – 12 August before opening at the Olympic Park for the Games.