In a recent company news release, Ottobock announced that it was on hand to provide technical service for the first Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover September 10 to 14.
According to the release, more than 400 competitors from 14 nations were slated to take part in the games, with teams hailing from the armed forces of nations that have served alongside each other. These included teams from the allied forces of the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, France, Estonia, Georgia, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the US .
The release notes that Ottobock conducted a variety of repairs to equipment such as wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs damaged in competition. Additionally, the release reports that the company is a proud supporter of the British Armed Forces team for the Invictus Games. The games were held in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Lee Valley Athletics Center.
Prince Harry’s visit to the Warrior Games in Colorado 2013 reportedly inspired him to bring the sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women to an international audience. The prince (pictured above, third from the left) also stopped by to thank Ottobock technicians for their support.
The release also states that some of the competitors were users of prosthetic technology that included the new Genium X3, a microprocessor prosthetic leg designed to be waterproof and provide above-knee amputees the most natural movement possible. The product is now available worldwide.
Additionally, in the UK, an £11 million government fund has reportedly helped ensure ex-servicemen and women who are amputees have access to the highest level of prosthetics and rehabilitation care. The release notes that this is now the same as the care Armed Forces provide for men and women currently serving in the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.
The Invictus Games hinge on survival in the face of adversity, spotlighting the strength of the human spirit, the release says, and are supported by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defense.
Photos Courtesy of Getty Images for Ottobock
Source: Ottobock