Bridgestone – the world’s largest tyre and rubber manufacturer – have partnered with The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), staking their claim as the Committee’s seventh Worldwide Paralympic Partner.
Bridgestone Become Worldwide Paralympic Partner
Already a Worldwide Olympic partner until 2024, Bridgestone now have the rights to promote and support the Paralympic Movement throughout the same period. Being a partner in the Paralympic Movement’s highest sponsorship tier, Bridgestone will receive global IPC rights in a variety of categories. Such categories include: tyres, tyre services and selected automotive vehicle services, self-propelled bicycles, seismic isolation bearings, and a variety of building and industrial products.
Bridgestone Support Leading International Para Athletes
A Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Gold Partner, the tyre manufacturing giants are also a partner of the Japan, Thailand and USA Paralympic teams. Not only is Bridgestone heavily involved with the Paralympic events, however, they have further supported several leading International Para athletes individually. This includes eight employees of the company, currently training to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2020. Increasing their commitment to support the global Paralympic Movement aligns with the company’s “Chase Your Dream” message, which aims to encourage people to overcome obstacles and persevere in pursuit of their goals.
Speaking on the partnership, IPC President Andrew Parsons had the following to say:
We are absolutely delighted that Bridgestone will become the IPC’s seventh Worldwide Paralympic Partner and believe the company’s ‘Chase Your Dream’ message enjoys perfect synergy with the aspirations of the Paralympic Movement and the IPC. Part of the IPC’s vision relates to Para athletes achieving sporting excellence, in effect people with a disability chasing their dreams through Para sport at all levels of competition. By working together, I hope we can empower even more people around the world to chase their own dreams. This agreement is also the third of its type since the new IPC IOC agreement was signed in March showing the benefit of the two organisations working together in this area.
An Honoured Bridgestone Support Mission For More Inclusive Society
Masaaki Tsuya – CEO and Representative Executive Officer of Bridgestone – joined Andrew Parsons in his optimism and praise of the partnership:
Bridgestone is honoured to become a Worldwide Paralympic Partner and further support the IPC’s important mission to create a more inclusive society through Para sport. Bridgestone is committed to improving the way people move, live, work and play, and our company’s core values of service and diversity are reflected in the Paralympic Movement. Together, we will celebrate the world’s most remarkable athletes and inspire people of all abilities to chase their dreams.
Para Athletes Will Benefit From Bridgestone’s Tyre And Rubber Expertise
As part of its on-going support for the Paralympic Movement, Bridgestone Corporation is applying its tyre and rubber expertise to develop advancements in equipment used by Para athletes in Japan. New rubber soles for prosthetic devices and rubber grips for gloves include the developments born from the partnership. Through Bridgestone Cycle Co. Ltd. (Bridgestone Cycle) and Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd. (Bridgestone Sports), the company have further provided bicycles, sports equipment and technical support to Para cycling and wheelchair tennis athletes in Japan.
