Tokyo-headquartered tyre and rubber manufacturer Bridgestone has become the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) seventh Worldwide Paralympic Partner. Already a Worldwide Olympic Partner through to 2024, Bridgestone now has global rights to promote and support the Paralympic Movement over the same period.
As a partner in the Paralympic Movement’s highest sponsorship tier, Bridgestone will receive global IPC rights in categories that include tyres, tyre services and selected automotive vehicle services, self-propelled bicycles, seismic isolation bearings, and a variety of building and industrial products.
Bridgestone also is a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Gold Partner and a partner of the Japan, Thailand and USA Paralympic teams. The company has supported several leading international Para athletes, including eight Bridgestone employees who are training to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Increasing its 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.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said that the partnership 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.
As part of its ongoing support for the Paralympic Movement, Bridgestone is applying its tyre and rubber expertise to develop advancements in equipment for Para athletes in Japan, including new rubber soles for prosthetics and rubber grips for gloves. Through Bridgestone Cycle Co, Ltd (Bridgestone Cycle) and Bridgestone Sports Co, Ltd (Bridgestone Sports), the company also has provided bicycles, sports equipment and technical support to Para cycling and wheelchair tennis athletes in Japan. (Press Release)