Prosthetics students get ‘inspiring’ behind the scenes access at Paralympic Games

University of Salford partners Ottobock invited the students, along with three members of Salford staff, to join their team trackside at the Stade de France, before visiting the Ottobock workshop in the athletes' village. The students also had the chance to watch a game of wheelchair basketball.

Student Emma explained: “For me, the highlight of the trip was seeing the Athletes’ Village. Chatting with the Ottobock staff, I was really pleased to see their enthusiasm for helping the athletes compete at their best by providing technical assistance not just for their performance equipment, but for their everyday chairs and prostheses. 

“This really highlighted to me the importance of high-quality prosthetic care in everyday life and I am further motivated to continue working hard on my project to ensure I can, in some small way, help prosthesis users remain healthy so they are able to live their lives to the fullest.”

CDT Director Professor Malcolm Granat said: “Attending the Paralympics in Paris was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. For me, personally, watching athletes excel in events like athletics and wheelchair basketball was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and the right support. Witnessing these athletes push past limitations and redefine what’s possible was awe-inspiring. 

“The visit to the Ottobock workshop and the Paralympic Village provided further insight, showing how important technical support and innovation are to these achievements. Seeing the impact of this support reinforced the importance of our work, and that research in this area can significantly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and empower them to reach their full potential."

The University of Salford offers the only full-time BSc (Hons) 3-year Prosthetics and Orthotics degree programme in the UK. Find out more and apply now to start your journey.