Bridgestone Corporation, a longstanding supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, has announced an expansion of its initiatives aimed at enhancing the Paralympic experience through innovation in adaptive sports equipment. Since becoming a Worldwide Paralympic Partner in 2018, Bridgestone has focused on promoting inclusivity in sports and society, working closely with adaptive athletes and community non-profits to improve access to sports for all.
Engineering Innovations for Adaptive Sports
In a significant move to enhance the performance and accessibility of adaptive sports equipment, Bridgestone is leveraging its expertise in rubber, materials, and design. The company has developed specialized rubber components, including gloves for various sports, hand rims for wheelchair racing, and tires for wheelchair tennis.
These innovations are tailored to meet the unique needs of adaptive athletes and will be utilized by selected participants in the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
A recent survey commissioned by Bridgestone Americas highlighted significant challenges faced by adaptive athletes, particularly in sourcing suitable equipment. According to the survey, 61 percent of respondents find it difficult to obtain the adaptive sports equipment and accessories they need. Bridgestone’s initiatives aim to mitigate these issues by offering better-quality, customized equipment solutions.
ALSO READ. Simone Biles net worth 2024. How much money does the greatest Olympic gymnast have?
The Impact of Suitable Equipment
The importance of properly designed equipment cannot be overstated. Team Bridgestone athlete ambassador Susannah Scaroni, a gold medalist at Tokyo 2020, emphasized how receiving a racing chair designed specifically for her needs transformed her training and performance. This sentiment is echoed across the adaptive sports community, underscoring the profound impact that tailored equipment can have on an athlete’s confidence and performance.
Collaborative Development and Testing
Bridgestone has collaborated with a diverse group of Team Bridgestone athlete ambassadors from the United States and Japan to develop and refine these innovative equipment solutions. The collaborative process involved rigorous testing of new rubber equipment pieces, such as wheelchair racing gloves, rubber hand rims, and prosthetic running blade soles, using the same advanced rubber utilized in Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tires.
The partnership between Bridgestone engineers and adaptive athletes has not only led to product innovations but has also fostered a deeper understanding of the unique needs and challenges within the Paralympic community. Chuck Aoki, co-captain of Team USA Wheelchair Rugby, shared his rewarding experience working with Bridgestone, highlighting the company’s commitment to making adaptive sports more accessible and enjoyable.
Bridgestone’s Continued Commitment
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, several Team Bridgestone athlete ambassadors, including Aaron Pike, Chuck Aoki, Daniel Romanchuk, Manami Tanaka, Susannah Scaroni, and Yukako Hata, will compete using Bridgestone’s enhanced rubber equipment. The company’s dedication to supporting adaptive athletes is part of a broader commitment to enhancing the experience for all participants, staff, and visitors at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bridgestone’s ongoing efforts underline its commitment to utilizing its technological and engineering capabilities to promote inclusivity and excellence in sports. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, Bridgestone aims to continue playing a pivotal role in the advancement of adaptive sports, ensuring that all athletes have the opportunity to perform at their best.
