Commitment to disabled sports
Our motto “Freedom in Motion” also applies for our social commitment: We are sponsors of the two exceptional athletes Anna Schaffelhuber and Gerd Schönfelder.
Despite being a paraplegic and an amputee, these two have worked hard and have shown impressive athletic achievements in alpine ski sports, for which they have been rewarded with multiple medals and awards. Their courage and will to succeed, paired with tireless commitment are shining examples for others with physical disabilities.
Anna Schaffelhuber – she won her first medal at the age of 15
The alpine athlete Anna Schaffelhuber has been paraplegic since birth and relies on a wheelchair. Her disability was not something that could prevent her from starting a successful career in monobob racing. The Regensburg native celebrated her first triumphs at the tender age of 15.
She won the overall world cup for disabled athletes in alpine ski sports in five consecutive years; at the 11th Winter Paralympics in Sochi, she won five gold medals. Anna was crowned Disabled Athlete of the Year three times and received her first Silver Laurel Leaf in 2010 – the highest honour for athletes in Germany.
All that makes Anna Schaffelhuber one of the most successful ski alpine athletes worldwide.
Athletes with physical disabilities need sponsorships
“Disabled sports are slowly developing into professional disciplines. While normal top athletes can rely on a variety of support systems, disabled ones have to fight every single day to organise their jobs, university studies or professional education around their demanding training schedules,” explains Uwe Schettler, Managing Director at Juzo.
We want to make life a little easier for these athletes and are committed to helping them make the most of their physical capabilities.
Uwe Schettler
Gerd Schönfelder – a top athlete with one arm
To date, former ski racer Gerd Schönfelder is the most successful athlete in the history of the Paralympics. In an accident in 1989, the then 19-year-old lost his right arm and parts of his left hand.
He participated in several Winter Paralympics since 1992 and achieved 16 wins, taking home a total of 22 medals. This amazing athlete was also crowned world champion fourteen times. He was awarded the title “Disabled Athlete of the Year” several times, received the Silver Laurel Leaf Four times and is freeman of his home town Kulmain in the Upper Palatine region in Germany.