King of Ghana Visits Ossur North America
Tabi King
Description
Collection
Title:
King of Ghana Visits Ossur North America
Creator:
Tabi King
Date:
8/2/2004
Text:
King of Ghana Visits Ossur North America
and the Challenged Athletes Foundation
Ossur donates 50 prosthetics to Ghana
August 2, 2004, Aliso Viejo, CA - Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, King of
Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana's eastern region, was welcomed earlier this week at
Ossur North America to discuss his country’s plight to improve the lives of
people with physical disabilities, both in Ghana and abroad.
The Okyenhene, which is His Majesty's official title, is in the United
States as a guest of the Free Wheelchair Mission and the Challenged Athletes
Foundation to attend their fundraising events and meet with key health
organizations.
Ossur staff members, led by Eythor Bender, president, and Oddny
Bjornsdottir, vice president of marketing and public relations, gave His
Majesty and his aids, and two executives from the Free Wheelchair Foundation
a tour of Ossur’s North American headquarters, as well as a newly built
educational facility and laboratory - also situated on the company’s
campus -- better known as California State University Dominguez Hills’
Prosthetics School, which Ossur has donated to the University.
Following the tour, Ossur offered to donate 50 Flex-Foot® prosthetic feet
and adapter kits, worth over $20,000 towards His Majesty’s programs to help
Ghana amputees receive proper prosthetic care.
“We have had the distinct privilege to host a few presidents, but never a
King. His Majesty’s vision of advanced health care for his people is
inspiring, and Ossur applauds and encourages this vision,” said Eythor
Bender. “Ossur is made up of passionate, ambitious people, eager to help
those who live with disabilities. Our corporate motto, “Life without
Limitations,” is much more than a marketing slogan. We believe that as a
leading orthotic and prosthetic manufacturer, it is our obligation not only
to provide world-class products, but also to support those who rely on them”
he added.
The Power of One Man in Ghana
Also in attendance was Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, the Challenged Athletes
Foundation’s (CAF) ambassador to Ghana, who has spent several years working
with the Okyenhene to minimize the grave inequalities experienced by
Ghanians with physical disabilities. “Without adequate education, amputees
are unable to acquire good jobs to support their families. As a result, most
people with disabilities become beggars,” said Yehoah.
Just three years earlier, Yeboah had made multiple attempts to meet with
the Okyenhene at the King’s Royal Palaces, but was turned away because it
was believed that people with disabilities were dirty and unworthy. Yeboah
was on crutches as a result of a missing tibia. On the fourth visit, His
Majesty finally agreed to receive him, marking the first time in the history
of Ghana that a person with a disability was allowed into the Palace of a
King.
Yeboah told His Majesty that he had requested and received a mountain bike
from the Challenged Athletes Foundation in America and that he wanted to
ride 610 kilometers across Ghana to prove that people with disabilities can
do anything. “Why do you want to do such a thing”, said the Okyenhene, “and
what do you want from me?” he added. “I want to prove that just because you
have a disability does not mean you can’t use your God given gifts, and I
need your support,” answered Yeboah.
After Yeboah’s ride, the CAF invited him to attend their primary
fundraiser, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. “We were impressed that a kid
from Ghana had refused to become a beggar and then had the tenacity to
contact a US organization, request a bike and ride it across Ghana,” said
Bob Babbitt, vice president of the CAF. “He has something special inside
that does not allow others to give him parameters on how he should live his
life. The amazing thing is that everything he does is not for himself. It’s
for all the people living with a disability in Ghana so that they can live
better lives,” he added.
During this visit, the CAF and Loma Linda University Orthopaedic &
Rehabilitation Center asked Emmanuel if he would consider amputation and
wearing a prosthetic leg. “At the Triathlon, I saw athletes like Rudy
Garcia-Tolson and Paul Martin running and biking on a prosthesis. I accepted
the offer so maybe I too could run, ride my bike with two legs and even
someday wear pants,” said Yeboah.
Following an amputation at Loma Linda, and being fitted for an advanced
prosthesis donated by Ossur, Yeboah went home to Ghana not only a changed
man, but a national hero. “I saw before me a man determined to reverse the
injustice of the disabled. A man who leads by example and who is not driven
by self, but driven to help others,” said the Okyenhene. “His drive and
commitment to change has brought me to America so I can appeal to these
organizations to support our efforts to make better provisions for the
disabled,” he added.
Upon Yeboah’s return to the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, members of the
Free Wheelchair Mission offered to donate 250 wheelchairs to Ghana to help
provide mobility to those who, until now, must crawl to get from point A to
point B. “The first step towards liberation is mobility. These wheelchairs
will make it possible for people to rise from the ground and find jobs, get
an education and even learn to play sports,’ said Yeboah.
The Emmanuel Education Fund
Through the Nike Casey Martin Award in which Yeboah was awarded $25,000 to
give to CAF, and CAF matching that by another $25,000, Yeboah has created
the Emmanuel Education Fund. “My goal is to make sure that children with
disabilities get an education, receive proper medical care, and play sports
whenever they want,” said Yeboah.
About Ossur
Ossur's head office is located in Reykjavik, Iceland (Icelandic Stock
Exchange: OSSR). The North American headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo,
California with additional manufacturing, distribution and operational
facilities in Reykjavik, Iceland; Eindhoven, B.C. A worldwide leader in the
development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of high technology
orthotic and prosthetic devices, the company’s advancements offer people a
life without limitations. Its product lines maintain leading market
positions in interface system technology, and include the Rheo Knee™; an
intelligent swing and stance control knee system, silicone liners, such as
the ICEROSS Dermo® with active skin care; Flex-Foot® carbon graphite
products which feature the patented CarbonX® Active Heel; Mauch®; Total
Knee® systems; and Unloader Knee Brace® systems. Recently, Ossur acquired
Generation II, a leading North American orthotic developer and manufacturer,
thus expanding Ossur's product line and establishing a platform for Ossur
into the orthotic industry. Website: www.ossur.com < <URL Redacted>>.
About CAF
Established in 1997, the CAF is a unique organization that recognizes the
athletic greatness of people with disabilities and supports these efforts by
providing grants for training, competition and equipment needs. Grants are
awarded to persons with any type of physical disability and for a wide range
of sports. The hundreds of athletes that the CAF has assisted range from
world class athletes competing on an international level to those who are
recently disabled and desire to become more active. Grants are distributed
once a year with applications being accepted year round.
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide
opportunities to people with physical disabilities to pursue an active
lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged
Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level
increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
For more information visit www.challengedathletes.org.
# # #
Contacts:
Tabi King
Challenged Athletes Foundation
(858) 523-9073
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
Beverly Millson
Missing Sock Public Relations for Ossur North America
(310) 399-7599
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
and the Challenged Athletes Foundation
Ossur donates 50 prosthetics to Ghana
August 2, 2004, Aliso Viejo, CA - Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, King of
Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana's eastern region, was welcomed earlier this week at
Ossur North America to discuss his country’s plight to improve the lives of
people with physical disabilities, both in Ghana and abroad.
The Okyenhene, which is His Majesty's official title, is in the United
States as a guest of the Free Wheelchair Mission and the Challenged Athletes
Foundation to attend their fundraising events and meet with key health
organizations.
Ossur staff members, led by Eythor Bender, president, and Oddny
Bjornsdottir, vice president of marketing and public relations, gave His
Majesty and his aids, and two executives from the Free Wheelchair Foundation
a tour of Ossur’s North American headquarters, as well as a newly built
educational facility and laboratory - also situated on the company’s
campus -- better known as California State University Dominguez Hills’
Prosthetics School, which Ossur has donated to the University.
Following the tour, Ossur offered to donate 50 Flex-Foot® prosthetic feet
and adapter kits, worth over $20,000 towards His Majesty’s programs to help
Ghana amputees receive proper prosthetic care.
“We have had the distinct privilege to host a few presidents, but never a
King. His Majesty’s vision of advanced health care for his people is
inspiring, and Ossur applauds and encourages this vision,” said Eythor
Bender. “Ossur is made up of passionate, ambitious people, eager to help
those who live with disabilities. Our corporate motto, “Life without
Limitations,” is much more than a marketing slogan. We believe that as a
leading orthotic and prosthetic manufacturer, it is our obligation not only
to provide world-class products, but also to support those who rely on them”
he added.
The Power of One Man in Ghana
Also in attendance was Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, the Challenged Athletes
Foundation’s (CAF) ambassador to Ghana, who has spent several years working
with the Okyenhene to minimize the grave inequalities experienced by
Ghanians with physical disabilities. “Without adequate education, amputees
are unable to acquire good jobs to support their families. As a result, most
people with disabilities become beggars,” said Yehoah.
Just three years earlier, Yeboah had made multiple attempts to meet with
the Okyenhene at the King’s Royal Palaces, but was turned away because it
was believed that people with disabilities were dirty and unworthy. Yeboah
was on crutches as a result of a missing tibia. On the fourth visit, His
Majesty finally agreed to receive him, marking the first time in the history
of Ghana that a person with a disability was allowed into the Palace of a
King.
Yeboah told His Majesty that he had requested and received a mountain bike
from the Challenged Athletes Foundation in America and that he wanted to
ride 610 kilometers across Ghana to prove that people with disabilities can
do anything. “Why do you want to do such a thing”, said the Okyenhene, “and
what do you want from me?” he added. “I want to prove that just because you
have a disability does not mean you can’t use your God given gifts, and I
need your support,” answered Yeboah.
After Yeboah’s ride, the CAF invited him to attend their primary
fundraiser, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. “We were impressed that a kid
from Ghana had refused to become a beggar and then had the tenacity to
contact a US organization, request a bike and ride it across Ghana,” said
Bob Babbitt, vice president of the CAF. “He has something special inside
that does not allow others to give him parameters on how he should live his
life. The amazing thing is that everything he does is not for himself. It’s
for all the people living with a disability in Ghana so that they can live
better lives,” he added.
During this visit, the CAF and Loma Linda University Orthopaedic &
Rehabilitation Center asked Emmanuel if he would consider amputation and
wearing a prosthetic leg. “At the Triathlon, I saw athletes like Rudy
Garcia-Tolson and Paul Martin running and biking on a prosthesis. I accepted
the offer so maybe I too could run, ride my bike with two legs and even
someday wear pants,” said Yeboah.
Following an amputation at Loma Linda, and being fitted for an advanced
prosthesis donated by Ossur, Yeboah went home to Ghana not only a changed
man, but a national hero. “I saw before me a man determined to reverse the
injustice of the disabled. A man who leads by example and who is not driven
by self, but driven to help others,” said the Okyenhene. “His drive and
commitment to change has brought me to America so I can appeal to these
organizations to support our efforts to make better provisions for the
disabled,” he added.
Upon Yeboah’s return to the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, members of the
Free Wheelchair Mission offered to donate 250 wheelchairs to Ghana to help
provide mobility to those who, until now, must crawl to get from point A to
point B. “The first step towards liberation is mobility. These wheelchairs
will make it possible for people to rise from the ground and find jobs, get
an education and even learn to play sports,’ said Yeboah.
The Emmanuel Education Fund
Through the Nike Casey Martin Award in which Yeboah was awarded $25,000 to
give to CAF, and CAF matching that by another $25,000, Yeboah has created
the Emmanuel Education Fund. “My goal is to make sure that children with
disabilities get an education, receive proper medical care, and play sports
whenever they want,” said Yeboah.
About Ossur
Ossur's head office is located in Reykjavik, Iceland (Icelandic Stock
Exchange: OSSR). The North American headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo,
California with additional manufacturing, distribution and operational
facilities in Reykjavik, Iceland; Eindhoven, B.C. A worldwide leader in the
development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of high technology
orthotic and prosthetic devices, the company’s advancements offer people a
life without limitations. Its product lines maintain leading market
positions in interface system technology, and include the Rheo Knee™; an
intelligent swing and stance control knee system, silicone liners, such as
the ICEROSS Dermo® with active skin care; Flex-Foot® carbon graphite
products which feature the patented CarbonX® Active Heel; Mauch®; Total
Knee® systems; and Unloader Knee Brace® systems. Recently, Ossur acquired
Generation II, a leading North American orthotic developer and manufacturer,
thus expanding Ossur's product line and establishing a platform for Ossur
into the orthotic industry. Website: www.ossur.com < <URL Redacted>>.
About CAF
Established in 1997, the CAF is a unique organization that recognizes the
athletic greatness of people with disabilities and supports these efforts by
providing grants for training, competition and equipment needs. Grants are
awarded to persons with any type of physical disability and for a wide range
of sports. The hundreds of athletes that the CAF has assisted range from
world class athletes competing on an international level to those who are
recently disabled and desire to become more active. Grants are distributed
once a year with applications being accepted year round.
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide
opportunities to people with physical disabilities to pursue an active
lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged
Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level
increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
For more information visit www.challengedathletes.org.
# # #
Contacts:
Tabi King
Challenged Athletes Foundation
(858) 523-9073
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
Beverly Millson
Missing Sock Public Relations for Ossur North America
(310) 399-7599
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
Citation
Tabi King, “King of Ghana Visits Ossur North America,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/223501.
