The French IT firm have been the official IT Partner at every Paralympics since Salt Lake City in 2002 and will again provide their technology at the London 2012 Games but anger has grown over Atos' Healthcare branch being involved in assessing people's fitness to work on behalf of the government's Department for Work and Pensions.

Campaigners claim that the company is running a flawed process to assess disabled people's rights to benefits and is therefore an inappropriate sponsor of the Paralympic Games.

The claim is denied by Atos Healthcare who say that they "conduct objective assessments" and are "proud of its role as the Worldwide IT Partner for the Paralympic Games and committed to delivering the technology that will help ensure a successful Games for athletes and spectators".

The IPC has also jumped to the defence of their Worldwide Partner.

"The IPC values Atos as a Worldwide Partner and has enjoyed a strong partnership with their Information and Games-time Technology services division for a number of years," said an IPC statement on the issue.

"Although we are aware of the issues currently making the UK news, we have no dealings with Atos Healthcare and feel this is not an issue for the IPC.

"Our view is they are fulfilling a role they have been asked to undertake by the Department of Work and Pensions."

However, there is further anger at the fact that Bernard Bourigeaud (pictured right with International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge), the founder and former chief executive of Atos, was appointed to the IPC Governing Board last month following a recommendation from IPC President Sir Philip Craven who described him as "a long-time friend of the Paralympic Movement".

The Board unanimously approved the Frenchman's co-option as a member meaning that Bourigeaud has already joined the 14 other members to become part of the body primarily responsible for the implementation of policies and direction of the Paralympic Movement.

"Last month Bernard Bourigeaud, the founder and former chief executive of Atos, was appointed as a member of the IPC Governing Board," continued the IPC statement.

"Bernard left Atos in September 2007 and is a long-time supporter of the Paralympic Movement offering some expert advice and guidance.

"His knowledge and experience will be of great benefit to us going forward.

"We are disappointed to learn that a small number of people are calling for a boycott of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, an event that will bring so many societal benefits to people with a disability in the UK and around the world."

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