The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games drew to a close this week, as the world took a final, appreciative look at something that seating & mobility professionals see every day: the unlimited potential of consumers who use wheelchairs and DME.

This summer rendition of the Games included more than 4,200 elite athletes competing in 20 sports, including cycling, wheelchair rugby, athletics, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair fencing.

Athletes from more than 70 different countries won medals, with the host country of China atop the list with 211 medals total. Great Britain was second with 102 medals; the United States team was third with 99 medals.

Several rehab manufacturers celebrated and supported the Games by providing equipment and/or support personnel, and by launching dedicated Web pages devoted to the Paralympics competitions.

Longtime rehab provider Larry Rice said of the Games, “This is a
reminder that I am proud to be a part of our industry. We may not be
responsible for sending an athlete to the Paralympics, but as honest,
ethical and knowledgeable providers, we contribute to those who need
our products and service and live happy and successful lives because of
us.”

PARALYMPIC GAMES SIDEBARS:

Can’t get enough of the Paralympics? See how some manufacturers celebrated the Beijing games, and view a photo album of great moments:

Click HERE to view Sunrise Medical’s Paralympics page.

Click HERE to view Invacare Corp.’s Paralympics page.

Click HERE to view Otto Bock’s Paralympics page.

Click HERE to view Yahoo’s photo album.