The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has announced the extension of its Uniform Support Program and Road to Paris Pilot Project to the Paralympic Games Paris 2024. This initiative ensures that 63 athletes from various National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) will be equipped with cutting-edge sports gear and equipment, thanks to contributions from seven leading global sports brands.
The Uniform Support Program is a vital component of WFSGI’s commitment to fostering solidarity within the Paralympic community. It provides critical assistance to NPCs that need support in securing competition-compliant uniforms, ensuring athletes are outfitted with Paralympic-standard attire that proudly displays their NPC name and emblem. Each uniform is carefully tailored to the individual athlete, reflecting the Paralympic Games’ core values of excellence and equality. WFSGI members Adidas, Asics, Arena, Nike, Puma, Speedo and Under Armour have all committed to this initiative, underscoring the importance of providing high-quality sportswear to help athletes prepare both mentally and physically for one of the most significant events of their careers.
“Wearing the best apparel and footwear on competition day is crucial to being mentally and physically prepared,” WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler expressed her pride in including Paralympic athletes in the Paris program. ”Every athlete deserves to compete without concerns about their uniform,” said Zwiebler. “We are grateful to our member brands for their participation in this program at the Paralympic Games.” Uniform distribution began on Aug. 21 at the Paralympic Village and will continue through Aug. 29, ensuring all participating athletes are ready for the competition.
Road to Paris 2024: amplifying Paralympic stories
In addition to the Uniform Support Program, WFSGI has extended its Road to Paris Pilot Project to the Paralympic Games. Initially launched for the Olympics, this project aims to enhance the visibility of Paralympic athletes by celebrating their journey to Paris 2024.
Seventeen WFSGI member brands can share the stories of their sponsored athletes and NPC teams through social media campaigns, highlighting their qualification for and participation in the Paralympic Games. These campaigns will allow brands to authentically share stories of perseverance and achievement, resonating with younger generations innovatively.
Ellie Simmonds, an 8-time Paralympic medalist in swimming, joined WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler and WFSGI Chair Andy Rubin in signing the Road to Paris Pilot Project extension. The project leverages the communication platforms and global reach of WFSGI member companies to engage fans worldwide, mainly focusing on younger audiences.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and WFSGI to support athletes’ careers and well-being, both on and off the field. It also underscores WFSGI’s ongoing dedication to promoting sport from playground to podium, using its influence to foster a healthier, more active world. As the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 approach, these initiatives ensure that the athletes’ inspiring stories reach a global audience, inspiring the next generation of sports enthusiasts.
