Prosthetics expert Geoffrey lands support team role at Paralympics (From Swindon Advertiser)

Prosthetics expert Geoffrey lands support team role at Paralympics

10:00am Saturday 7th July 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News

A WIMBORNE man has been picked to provide trackside support for Paralympic athletes at this summer’s Games.

Geoffrey Harding will be one of 16 technicians from Great Britain on hand to service and repair equipment including carbon fibre running blades, handbikes or rugby wheelchairs.

Typical tasks will range from changing flat wheelchair tyres to fixing complex prosthetic leg repairs and fittings as quickly as possible.

Mr Harding’s role on the Official Prosthetic, Orthotic and Wheelchair Technical Service Team will see him working alongside 70 others to serve 4,200 competitors.

He will be based at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Village from August 21 – 28.

Mr Harding is a business manager at Ottobock, the Paralympics’ technical service provider since the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games.

Mr Harding, 47, said: “It’s really exciting, a chance in a lifetime.

“The company asked for volunteers and we stepped forward.

“I cannot think of a nicer place to be in August than by the water in Weymouth.”

A dad-of-two, Mr Harding has worked in prosthetics for 16 years.

The team will have spare parts and materials to make repairs on the shore.

If they cannot be fixed they will travel to a special workshop in Egham, Surrey.

The Dorset Orthopaedic Company in Ringwood have also offered to help out, Mr Harding said.

Philip Yates, managing director at Ottobock UK, said: “Geoffrey brings great experience to the team and we look forward to watching his expertise come into play as he supports competing athletes.”