GEZE focuses on access at Tunnel2K

The UK’s leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, GEZE UK, is boosting awareness of disabled sports and access for all, with its second successful sponsorship of the thrilling GEZE Tunnel 2K International.

Fresh from Beijing’s Paralympics, the world’s elite wheelchair racing athletes turned out in Newcastle for an intense test of endurance and daring. 30 competitors in Olympic standard, state-of-the-art racing chairs, smashed through the Tunnel’s speed limit on a steep downhill section, followed by a bicep-burning 1km uphill to the finish line.

Canada’s Josh Cassidy took the top spot, completing the 2km course through the Tyne Tunnel in just 4 minutes 24 seconds and fellow Canadian Diane Roy won the women’s race with an incredible time of 5 minutes and 19 seconds.

Launching the race, GEZE UK welcomed Paralympic Silver medallist Mickey Bushell to its HQ, where he had a guided tour of GEZE’s showrooms and had the first glimpse of the new TS 3000 EC, a door closer specifically designed to assist access in schools.

Organiser David Burdus, an ex-road wheelchair racer, commented: “GEZE UK’s sponsorship is a great boost for the event and we’re delighted to join forces with a company whose commitment to improving access in public buildings is matched only by its expertise. You won’t find an event like this anywhere else in the world and this sponsorship really helps to place the athletes and the sport in a strong position as we approach 2012."

GEZE UK’s managing director Andrew Hall said: “Mickey’s visit was a huge honour and our staff were delighted to have the chance to meet him and ask for an autograph. Even at his age, his courage, dedication and passion for racing make him a real role model.

“Our sponsorship of Tunnel 2K is a way to give something back, but we’re also keen to help raise the profile of disabled sports in the run up to 2012. It’s all part of our commitment to promote and improve access for all, by working with architects and specifiers . That’s why we’re supporting Tunnel 2K and raising the profile of access issues amongst the architectural and building communities.”