OPAF NEWS - ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC ASSISTANCE FUND WELCOMES NEW SPONSORS

OPAF NEWS - ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC ASSISTANCE FUND WELCOMES NEW SPONSORS

Tamara Bibby

7/25/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2002


Contact: Tamara Bibby
(571) 431-0831

ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC ASSISTANCE FUND WELCOMES NEW SPONSORS

Alexandria, Virginia -The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) is
pleased to announce its newest sponsors from the O&P field, Össur North
America (silver sponsor) and College Park Industries, Inc. (bronze sponsor).
With their generous support and contributions, OPAF is able to continue
serving individuals with physical disabilities through their community
programs and educational initiatives.

With its corporate headquarters in Iceland, and additional operations in
North America, Europe, and Scandinavia, Össur is steadily growing to serve
the needs of amputees, prosthetists, and healthcare services worldwide.
Össur North America is based in Aliso Viejo, CA.

College Park Industries, based in Fraser, MI, is a leader in prosthetic foot
manufacturing targeting lower limb amputees of all ages who maintain medium
to high activity levels.

OPAF plays a crucial role in accelerating the transformation of public
perceptions about amputees, explains Gary Wertz, President Össur North
America. Even with extensive progress in technologies that afford nearly
every amputee a healthy, active lifestyle, widespread knowledge and
acceptance has yet to be achieved in clearing common misconceptions about
amputees. Through the programs offered by OPAF, more individuals are now
aware of the extensive opportunities available to them and that they can
undertake nearly any endeavor available to able-bodied people.

Since witnessing and sponsoring the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, College
Park Industries is dedicated to helping individuals reach their goals,
explains Eric Robinson, President of College Park Industries, Inc. When
faced with unbelievable odds people do amazing things. It's not about the
sports; it's about the dedication a person has to accomplish his or her
dreams. We sponsor OPAF because they encourage setting and reaching goals
to live a more complete and rewarding life. OPAF wants to make it possible
for people around the country, and the world, to realize their potential.
It is very rewarding to have somebody thank you for allowing them to simply
enjoy life again. College Park believes in the power of independent living
that OPAF gives to so many people facing orthotic and prosthetic challenges.
We are dedicated to raising awareness of the O&P field and sponsoring OPAF
is just the way to do it. It is our hope that more prosthetic and orthotic
manufacturers will step up to support the important cause carried by OPAF.

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund is a nonprofit organization, a
501(c)(3) public charity, established in 1995 by the Orthotic and Prosthetic
National Office. Dedicated initially to providing financial and in-kind
support to the 1996 Paralympics, the Fund now generates its own initiatives
through partnerships with individuals, organizations and institutions
engaged in raising public awareness of disability and improving the quality
of rehabilitation medicine, science and technology.

The Fund aims primarily to enable individuals with physical
disabilities-especially those served by members of the orthotics and
prosthetics community-to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical
fitness, and social interaction.

For more information about the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund,
Inc., please visit www.opfund.org or contact Tamara Bibby, OPAF Program
Coordinator, at 571.431.0831 or <Email Address Redacted>
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