The exhibition (pictured top and below) will be located in the centre's main atrium until August 12 and has been developed to raise awareness of the Paralympic Movement, Paralympic sport and the Paralympic athletes who will compete at London 2012.

It is free to all members of the public and set up in conjunction with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

"Otto Bock is committed to helping people enjoy the Paralympic Games and we believe the activities at Westfield London will prove an invaluable tool to educate young audiences on the running blades in a fun and engaging way," said Philip Yates, the UK managing director of Otto Bock Healthcare.

"As well as encouraging greater participation, we hope to transform the perception of disabled people in society, and promote greater understanding of issues around accessibility and inclusion and their importance beyond the Paralympic Games."


The exhibition provides an interactive experience to help visitors understand and appreciate the skills and strengths of Paralympic athletes and the technology they use to compete.

Expert science communicators will guide people through a series of activities.

These include encouraging visitors to move their bodies in a variety of ways to understand the importance of human mobility and using balls to demonstrate the elastic properties of carbon fibre running blades.

"Otto Bock is a much valued IPC Worldwide Partner and we are delighted that this exhibition will help build excitement for the Paralympic Games," said IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

"The London 2012 Paralympic Games is set to be the best yet and this exhibition will give the public a greater understanding of the sports and athletes as well as the technology used during competition."

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