In Paris, Ottobock employees worked tirelessly to repair equipment for Paralympic athletes ahead of the wheelchair rugby competition. Ottobock, a global medical technology company, has been providing on-site repairs and assistance to Paralympic athletes since 1988. The technician team at the Paris Games consists of 158 technicians from over 40 countries, stationed at the athletes’ village and 14 in-venue service centers.
Gill and Voitl, Ottobock technicians, operate from an in-venue service center at the Champs-de-Mars Arena, focusing on wheelchair repairs. The technicians provide in-game assistance depending on the sport, such as a “pit stop” repair concept similar to Formula 1 racing tactics during wheelchair tennis matches.
Athletes competing on the same day receive priority in equipment repairs, which can range from quick fixes to more complex jobs taking up to two days. Some athletes from developing countries may have their first encounter with top-quality gear at Ottobock’s repair shop in Paris.
The repairs are vital as modern wheelchairs and prosthetics used by Paralympians can be expensive, with some advanced products costing up to $50,000. The free repair services provided by Ottobock are deeply ingrained in the company’s values, offering athletes the tools they need not only for competition but also for their daily lives.
The relationship between Ottobock and Paralympians extends beyond sports, with athletes like Stuart Robinson and Sydney Satchell benefiting from Ottobock’s quick and efficient repair services for personal equipment.
The meaningful impact of these repairs was evident when Ottobock completed 1,000 repairs before the Paralympic Games began, bringing smiles to the faces of the athletes. The easy access to maintenance and repairs for devices not only benefits Paralympians but also reflects a shift in the global community’s recognition of the importance of prioritizing disability needs.
