The workshop is one of 13 that will be operated by Ottobock Healthcare, the Official Technical Service Provider for London 2012 and has opened one week ahead of the start of competition.

Similar to the services provided by mechanics in motor racing, Ottobock is responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment used by Paralympians and for getting athletes back into the competition as fast as possible.

Competitors arriving in London are expected to visit the workshops to have their equipment checked over by Ottobock's team of 80 technicians as part of their final essential preparations.

On its first day in action the technical service team conducted a number of repairs, including the replacement of wheelchair tyres (pictured below) and bearings as well as changing a prosthetic foot (pictured top) – all requiring specialist knowledge and a fast turnaround.


"The days before the start of competition are traditionally very busy for the workshop," said Ken Hurst, technical director, Ottobock London 2012 Leadership Team.

"However, this is the 12th Paralympic Games where Ottobock has provided technical service and we are well prepared."

Ottobock will continue to provide support throughout the Games, and is prepared to complete more than 2,000 repairs while utilising its stock of 15,000 spare parts.

The company will operate three workshops from the Athletes' Villages in Stratford, Eton Dorney and Weymouth as well as at 10 competition and training venues: the Velodrome, North Greenwich Arena, the Basketball Arena, Royal Artillery Barracks, Greenwich Park, ExCeL, Eton Manor, Brands Hatch, the Olympic Stadium and the warm-up track; an additional mobile workshop will support the marathon and handcycling road race.

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