Healthcare firm Bupa UK has announced an international partnership with the ParalympicsGB. The new agreement will see Bupa join as the Official Healthcare Partner of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and beyond.

The partnership will see Bupa provide the athletes with medical expertise and practical health assessments, which will give an overview of health and wellbeing to prevent and address the concerns and also physical and mental health services. Bupa will also work with ParalympicsGB to change the way the world looks at disability in society, while celebrating the differences and diversity to help everyone achieve their goals. Bupa will also promote inclusivity in healthcare, business and other areas of life through the partnership. 

Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global & UK, commented:

“Paralympians show us that there’s nothing you can’t do when you put your mind to it. It’s this determination that inspires us in our mission to change the face of healthcare.

“Working with ParalympicsGB gives us the unique opportunity to understand the needs of more people in society, ultimately reflecting the diverse needs of our customers. It’s important to celebrate our diversity and each of our differences, in order to make a tangible shift in perceptions of disability in our society. Together, we want to inspire the next generation to believe that anything is possible.“

Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive at the British Paralympic Association, added:

“For everyone, whether you’re an athlete or not, looking after your health and wellbeing is crucial and I am delighted this partnership will give ParalympicsGB athletes access to an array of additional support for their mental and physical wellbeing. We’re proud to be partnering with Bupa, and it’s clear based on their experience of working with Paralympic athletes and organisations around the world that they will be just as keen as we are at ParalympicsGB to make this a truly meaningful partnership, driving the change we want to see in perceptions of disability.“

Aaron Phipps MBE, Wheelchair Rugby Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, said:

“Throughout my life and sporting career I’ve worked to challenge perceptions around disability so it’s great to see Bupa and ParalympicsGB partnering to bring this to the forefront of our society. There shouldn’t be any barriers to anyone reaching their full potential in life and the more we can spread that message, the more we can achieve together.

“To compete at an elite level it’s vital that we have access to the highest quality medical advice and support. Being able to utilise the UK’s top clinicians and services through Bupa has the potential to give us all a real competitive edge.“

Bupa and Paralympics have a long history via Sanitas, which is a part of the Bupa Group and served as the Official Medical Provider to the Spanish Paralympic Committee in 2007. Over the years, Bupa has provided support to Paralympians in Chile and Poland as well.