Palfinger supports sport

Austrian crane and access platform manufacturer, Palfinger is extending the sponsorship agreement it has with wheelchair athlete Thomas Geierspichler for a further two years.

In 2008, Thomas Geierspichler won Olympic gold in the wheelchair marathon at the Paralympics in Peking, setting a new world record (1:40 hrs.). He has also won numerous medals at European and World Championships. He celebrated his most recent success at the beginning of February 2010 by winning his first World Championship title in the 10 km street race, which means that he has now won five World Championships in all.

Hubert Palfinger Jr said, "At a sporting level, Thomas works with tremendous dedication, professionalism and passion - with the aim of doing his best and constantly going one better. Like a real 'high performer', in fact. Just like Palfinger, his motto is: 'Nothing is impossible' or 'There's no such word as can't'"

Herbert Ortner, chief executive officer of Palfinger AG, said, "Emerging from crises with new strength and sharing success with others in the form of social commitment is another common factor, because sport gives our disabled fellow citizens the possibility to restructure their lives, set new targets and work consistently on reaching them. Particularly in difficult times, we can learn a lot from Thomas Geierspichler and his story. And who could be a more credible 'ambassador' for our 'Health Care and Awareness Development programme PALfit' than a person who bears his fate with so much courage, endurance and zest for life."