November 02, 2012 (Scarborough, ON) – In a bid to make sports more accessible for Canadians with a disability, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce a new, four-year corporate partnership with Invacare Canada, a leading manufacturer of wheelchairs for both everyday use and competitive sports.

As an official supplier to the CPC, Invacare will supply equipment to CPC’s Para-Equipment Fund, which awards grants and equipment to local, provincial and national sports organizations. Invacare will supply wheelchairs for such sports as wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, and athletics; as well as hand cycles.

“It can be prohibitively expensive for kids with a disability to get involved in sport, and that’s something we are committed to changing,” said Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “This partnership will help nurture the hopes and dreams of more kids with disabilities, allowing them to participate and be active through Invacare’s product lines – and maybe even one day compete for Canada at the Paralympic Games!”

Did you know?
– A pair of quality running shoes cost $150, but a racing wheelchair is worth $3,000;
– Getting outfitted to ski for an able-bodied kid costs $800, but a sit-ski price tag is $3,200;
– A pair of hockey skates cost $150, while a sledge for sledge hockey is valued at $600.

“We at Invacare Canada are thrilled to be working with the CPC,” said Vince Morelli, General Manager, Invacare Canada. “This relationship will allow us to work towards our goal of making life’s experiences possible – whether providing opportunities for young people with disabilities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle or supporting the achievements of our outstanding group of elite Canadian Paralympic athletes competing at multi-sport Games.”

Josh Vander Vies, a Paralympic bronze medallist in boccia, was on hand for the announcement at Variety Village in Scarborough, Ont. and applauded the news of the partnership.

“For 10 years, I’ve had an Invacare chair,” said Vander Vies, originally from Sarnia, Ont., now living in Vancouver. “Invacare are leaders in Canada in terms of performance equipment. This performance factor gives me the confidence that I need on the boccia court to make the high stakes shots.”

About Invacare
Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home care and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The Company has 6,100 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the Company and its products, visit Invacare’s website at www.invacare.com.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to be the world’s leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations.