“Passion for the Paralympics” opened in Olympic Park

"The ‘Passion for the Paralympics’ exhibition provides an interactive experience for visitors of all ages to learn more about Paralympic sport by trying the equipment and learning about the technology behind it."

The International Paralympic Committee have opened the “Passion for Paralympics” exhibition at Olympic Park in London with Ottobock Healthcare.

The exhibition, designed to raise awareness of Paralympic sport and competing athletes during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, will be at Olympic Park between 30 August and 9 September 2012.

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

The “Passion for Paralympics” exhibition will give the public the chance to try equipment used by Paralympic athletes during London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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

Visitors can also take part in a hand cycling race and add their speed to a leader board in which they can compare it with other racers around the country.

In addition, they can pledge their support for the London 2012 Paralympic Games by sharing what they are passionate about and taking a picture to upload to a fan wall on the “Passion for Paralympics” website, www.ottobock.com/paralympics.

IPC President Sir Philip Craven said: “Ottobock is a much valued IPC worldwide partner and we are delighted that this exhibition will help spread ‘Passion for the Paralympics’.”

“The London 2012 Paralympic Games have the potential to be the best yet, and this exhibition will give the public a greater understanding of the Games and athletes, as well as some of the technology athletes use during competition and their day-to-day lives.”

Ottobock is the Official Prosthetic, Orthotic and Wheelchair Technical Service Provider of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. It has been supporting people with disabilities to participate in sports and recreation for more than three decades.

“Ottobock is committed to helping people enjoy the Paralympic Games. The ‘Passion for the Paralympics’ exhibition provides an interactive experience for visitors of all ages to learn more about Paralympic sport by trying the equipment and learning about the technology behind it,” said Christin Gunkel, Chief Marketing Officer of Ottobock.

The exhibition will be available for Paralympic Games ticket holders to visit and is open from Thursday (30 August) until 9 September between 9:00 and 22:00.