18 May 2023, Sydney –Biogen today announces its global platinum sponsorship of the 2023 International Federation of Powerchair Football (FIPFA*) World Cup that will be held this October in Sydney, Australia.
Biogen's sponsorship provides important funding to promote and facilitate the event when the world’s top ten Powerchair Football teams – from Australia, Argentina, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Northern Ireland, Uruguay, and the United States of America – will compete to win this year’s Cup.
Alex Reilly, FIPFA Vice President said, “FIPFA cannot wait for the upcoming Powerchair World Cup later this year in Australia and we are delighted to have the support of a leading global biotechnology company in Biogen for the event.”
Peter Turnbull, Head Coach of the Poweroos, Australia’s national team and FIPFA Organising Committee Lead, said, “We are delighted that Biogen has agreed to be one of our Platinum sponsors for the Powerchair Football World Cup and we thank the entire Biogen team for their generosity in helping to bring this important occasion to life.
“We are grateful for Biogen’s commitment over several World Cups in supporting the sport to progress greater recognition of Powerchair Football around the world and now in Australia."
Tristram Peters, a Poweroo in this year’s World Cup Team and who lives with the neurodegenerative condition, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) said, “There are so many assumptions made about people with disabilities.
“That we're fragile, and we wrap ourselves up in cotton wool. But Powerchair Football is a physical and immensely skillful sport, just like the football we know and love. It’s a beautiful game.
“For the Australian team – to get the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, at a World Cup, is very special. We’re incredibly excited to welcome everyone to Australia – and to show them what the Poweroos can do.”
David Henderson, Managing Director of Biogen Australia and New Zealand said, “Biogen is honoured to be one of the sponsors of the 2023 Powerchair Football World Cup.
“As a global leader in SMA and neurodegenerative conditions that cause disability, we understand that Powerchair Football is particularly important because at every level it is more than a great sport – it represents ability and equal opportunity for all players.
“The Biogen team is very excited to welcome the world to Sydney and together with our colleagues overseas, we can’t wait to cheer on the world’s greatest Powerchair Football athletes.”
*Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading global biotechnology company that has pioneered multiple breakthrough innovations including a broad portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and two co-developed treatments to address a defining pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Biogen is advancing a pipeline of potential novel therapies across neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialised immunology and rare diseases and remains acutely focused on its purpose of serving humanity through science while advancing a healthier, more sustainable and equitable world.
The Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association is the international governing body for powerchair football, responsible for organising, promoting and ensuring fair play and safety for the sport of powerchair football. The fourth FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup will be held at the Quay Centre of Sydney Olympic Park, Australia between 15 to 20 October 2023. Ten teams from Australia, Argentina, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Northern Ireland, Uruguay, and the United States of America will participate in the tournament consisting of 58 matches over the six days. The competition will be broadcast by Network 10 and through FIPFA’s official channels.
Powerchair Football is a modified version of football for players who are dependent on electric powerchairs for their day-to-day lives. The sport is played on a basketball court between two teams of four players who use specially designed sports powerchairs fitted with metal foot guards which are used to ‘kick’ an oversized football. The sport has specific classification requirements for its participants, and it is one of the fastest-growing sports for people with disabilities, being played in 30 nations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. It is fast-paced, highly tactical, and showcases the incredible skill of athletes who have the ball at their wheels.
Powerchair Football is far more than just a sport – for many participants, it is what gets them out of bed each day. Unlike able-bodied persons, those living with a severe disability – particularly those with degenerative disorders – face daily challenges that restrict their opportunities to access employment, careers, study, or simply interact within their community. The universal testimony of players is that Powerchair Football is their most life-affirming activity and with greater visibility and access.
For further information please contact Eliza Roel +61 437 819 421 or Fiona Tigar +61 400 741 286.