Samsung’s central message for Paris 2024 is “Open always wins,” which articulates the belief that with an open mind, every new experience becomes a meaningful achievement — a sentiment embodied by the athletes competing at the Paralympic Games. Samsung will celebrate the open-mindedness and resilience demonstrated by Paralympians, harnessing its latest mobile technology to open up new experiences and possibilities for athletes, fans, and the rest of the world, during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“Samsung has been a Paralympic Games partner for almost two decades, and as committed supporters of the Paralympic Movement, we’re proud to help deliver the best possible Games-time experience for athletes, fans, spectators and volunteers at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with our latest mobile technology,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “It is an honor to bring fans across the world closer to their favorite Paralympians, their stories and uncompromising spirit, as they forge new paths and inspire greatness.”

Continued Support of the Paralympic Movement

Samsung’s support of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games follows an 18-year partnership which began at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. During this time, Samsung has used its mobile technology to engage and inspire fans and supporters while raising awareness of the Paralympic Movement. The “Dialogue in the Dark” demonstration at Sochi 2014 saw visitors at the Galaxy Studio Olympic Park experience a day in the life of a visually impaired person to help visitors understand the challenges they can experience from their perspective. Similarly, at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, visitors at the Samsung experience space were able to try the Relúmĭno feature in conjunction with Samsung Gear VR, which helped those with low vision see the world more clearly. Samsung will continue to promote sporting excellence and shared values embodied by Paralympic athletes through its ongoing support of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Championing Team Samsung Galaxy Trailblazers

For the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Samsung has been supporting its roster of Team Samsung Galaxy athletes. The team of trailblazers, who were selected due to their impact on and off the field of play, includes French blind footballer and Olympic Torchbearer Yvan Wouandji and Paralympians Johannes Floors (para athletics, Germany), Madison De Rozario (para athletics, Australia), Ugo Didier (para swimming, France), Hee-jin Kim (goalball, Korea), Kadeena Cox (para cycling and para athletics, Great Britain) and Desirée Vila (para athletics, Spain). The athletes shared their sentiments regarding Samsung’s support:

• Ugo Didier: “The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are particularly special, taking place in my home country. Beyond the competition, I want to show that with enough dedication, everyone can compete in sporting events and achieve world-class performances regardless of disability, so I’m grateful to be working alongside Samsung to share this message.”

• Madison De Rozario: “Technology is playing a significant role in our entire movement of sport. To make a tangible impact on fans and people, you need to be able to connect with them to truly learn who they are and for them to know who you are. It’s an honor to be supported by Samsung as I go into my fifth Paralympic Games to bring people around the world closer to the Paralympic Movement.”

• Johannes Floors: “To be a successful Paralympian, determination is vital, but it also requires honest self-reflection, the ability to take criticism, meticulous engineering and open-mindedness to try the new and innovative approaches that ultimately set you up for success. I’m delighted to be working with Samsung, who share these values and reflect them in their own innovation.”

Additionally, Samsung released its film Voices of Galaxy, which spotlights Johannes Floors’ story — his motivation, determination and passion to make an impact on next generation — in May.

Harnessing the Latest Technology for an Unforgettable Games-Time Experience 

To enhance the athlete experience, Samsung is providing nearly 5,000 Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition smartphones to Paralympians competing in the Games. The exclusive edition features a suite of built-in services and apps to help athletes to enjoy Paris and navigate every aspect of their Games-time experience with ease. The Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition supports the latest Galaxy AI features — as well as accessibility features — ensuring all Paralympians have the best experience possible.

Interpreter,¹ which instantly translates live conversations, will allow all Paralympians to connect with fellow athletes from around the world. Bixby Vision for Accessibility, which gives audio descriptions of images and user surroundings, and Relúmĭno outline, which enhances the screen’s contrast and brightness or sharpens image outlines to increase visibility, allowing athletes with low vision to seamlessly navigate competition venues and stay connected with fans following their Paris 2024 journey.

Opening up Fan Experiences To Put the Paralympic Spirit in Motion

The start of the Paralympic Games also marks the next wave of the popular Samsung Olympic Games Pin Collection, taking place at the fully accessible Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung pop-up experiences at Champs-Elysees 125 and Square Marigny in Paris. Fans of the Paralympic Games can participate in Galaxy AI experiences to complete their collection of 16 specially-designed pins, including four that represent Paralympic sports — blind football, para athletics, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis — to receive a new Galaxy Z Flip6 and a chance to win a round-trip package for two to attend Milano Cortina 2026. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive journey through Samsung’s rich heritage around the Olympic and Paralympic Games and try out the latest Galaxy technology for themselves at the sites. In addition, Samsung plans to conduct a series of events and appearances at its Olympic^TM Rendezvous @ Samsung pop-up experience sites throughout the Games to bring fans face-to-face with their favorite Paralympic athletes.

Fans and visitors can celebrate the Games and get closer to Samsung’s latest technology at the Olympic^TM rendezvous @ Samsung sites, open throughout the duration of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games:

• The Olympic^TM rendezvous @ Samsung | Square Marigny will be re-opened on August 29 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until September 8.
• The Olympic^TM rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Élysées 125 is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays until October 31.

▲ Wheelchair Basketball players from Team France share a group selfie after picking up their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ (From left) Boccia players from Team Korea Sunhee Kang and So Yeong Jeong, Wheelchair Rugby player from Team Denmark Kurt Busk, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons and Wheelchair Basketball player from Team France Jordan Luce pose together at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ Archers from Team France share a group selfie after picking up their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ Wheelchair Basketball players from Team Germany Svenja Mayer (left) and Mareike Miller (right) pose together with their new Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ Paralympic athletes from Team Korea pose together for a group picture after picking up their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ Sitting Volleyball players from Team Slovenia pose together for a group picture after picking up their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ Wheelchair Tennis player from Team South Africa Alwande Sikhosana receives his Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

▲ (From left) Sitting Volleyball players from Team Brazil Anderson Rodrigues dos Santos and Daniel Yoshizawa pose with Javelin Thrower from Team Cabo Verde Marilson Fernandes Semedo at the Samsung experience pop-up space at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

¹ Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games
Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the wireless communications and computing equipment category. Starting from the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, the company has proudly supported the Paralympic Movement and enabled athletes and fans around the world to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games through Samsung’s transformative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment to the Paralympic Games will extend through to LA 2028 and be celebrated through innovative mobile and computing experiences powered by purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G.

Samsung optimizes costs and promotes synergy to ensure economic sustainability, mandates adherence to international regulations and transparency for social sustainability, and insists on only working with certified Eco-Partners the world over. The company works relentlessly to help its suppliers achieve growth according to the belief that Samsung’s success is rooted in the competitiveness of its suppliers at every level.

Selection of Suppliers

Samsung evaluates prospective suppliers based on criteria that include EHS (environment, health and safety), labor and human rights, and Eco-Partner standing. After a company passes the initial screening, in-house experts in each category are deployed to conduct on-site assessments of the prospective supplier. Companies are required to comply with regulations regarding the handling of chemicals of concern, bans on discrimination and inhumane treatment and social and environmental impact, among others.

An open-sourcing program is used to allow companies to apply to become Samsung suppliers. The International Procurement Center (IPC) and Global Supplier Relationship Management System (G-SRM) accept submissions from organizations that want to propose use of their components or materials for Samsung products. Samsung’s IPCs are additionally present in strategically significant locations all over the world to monitor regional technology trends and identify potential suppliers. These methods allow Samsung to ensure that its supply chain remains competitive, as well as sustainable.

Once new suppliers are brought on-board, Samsung looks to heighten transparency by disclosing its list of suppliers with their consent. From there, procurement operations are managed by an integrated procurement system. The company requires suppliers to adhere to the Samsung Supplier Code of Conduct, which ensures that they operate in accordance with local laws and regulations, while helping them maintain responsible management of their working environments.

Supplier Evaluation

Samsung performs in-depth supplier evaluations annually. During these evaluations, suppliers’ competitiveness and ability to maintain sustainability are measured using eight evaluation criteria: technology, quality, responsiveness, delivery, cost, EHS, finance, and law. Several methods are employed in the evaluation of suppliers, including on-site inspection and the review of previously uploaded data. Evaluations are carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the year, allowing suppliers to monitor their performance along the way. In 2018 Samsung evaluated 91% of its total suppliers, with those who had been registered with the company for less than a year excluded from evaluation. The company also requires all primary suppliers to complete annual self-assessments according to 85 criteria set out by the RBA (Responsible Business Alliance), of which Samsung is a member.

Comprehensive Evaluation Items

Samsung also conducts both on-site and third-party audits of its suppliers. On-site audits are led by RBA auditors, and conducted by dedicated teams who interview suppliers’ employees and examine their workplaces. After the audit is carried out, Samsung devises final improvement tasks, which are expected to be completed within 30 days. Applying the same criteria as the RBA, Samsung achieved a compliance rate of 91% for on-site audits in 2018, and the company is making further efforts to continue lifting that number. Also in 2018, Samsung drastically increased the number of third-party supplier audits, especially in the Southeast Asian region, where some concerns around working environments had been raised. Despite the significant increase in the number of third party audits in 2018, compliance rates were relatively consistent with those from 2017, implying that efforts to improve suppliers’ working environments had been successful.

Samsung charges first-tier suppliers with the evaluation of their relevant sub-suppliers, making them responsible for evaluating working conditions and ensuring compliance. Samsung has developed and distributed a safe management guidance to first-tier suppliers that assists them in evaluating the environmental and health and safety performance of lower-tier suppliers. First-tier suppliers are held accountable for ensuring a safe working environment at lower-tier suppliers and honestly reflecting the outcome of evaluations.

Strengthening Competitiveness^*

Samsung prioritizes improving the market competitiveness of its suppliers at all levels to create a healthy, sustainable corporate ecosystem.

Samsung seeks to strengthen the training and hiring capabilities of its first, second and third-tier suppliers by providing programs in leadership, global, R&D, procurement, sales, and business innovation. Furthermore, the company holds annual job fairs to help ensure that suppliers are able to secure top talent.

Samsung also runs funding programs to support suppliers that are experiencing financial difficulties. These include low-interest loans, as well as support funds that provide zero-interest loans to allow companies to make cash payments to sub-suppliers within a 30-day window.

Samsung also supports the competitive enhancement of its suppliers. To ensure that its suppliers remain innovative, the company offers worksite consulting, product stabilization and EHS consultation to its first, second and third-tier suppliers, as well as enterprises that it has not previously worked with. The company also runs programs that get suppliers acquainted with the newest technology trends to ensure that they remain up to date.

Finally, Samsung offers its suppliers sales channel support. The company helps identify new avenues for potential sales, and provides things like PR work, international marketing campaigns and information sessions for enterprises that want to sell their products through online retailers.

Recent Efforts

Since 2018 Samsung has been providing training sessions for Vietnamese industry experts under its Vietnamese Industrial Consultant Training Program. Participants include consultants, public officials and professors, and the goal of the program is to help nurture local human resources in the technology sector and lift the rate of production for locally produced components. The program offers two tiers of training – local consultant and master consultant – and is aiming to train 200 local and 60 master consultants by 2020.

In 2015 Samsung launched the Smart Factory Construction program, which aimed to share technological expertise regarding the establishment of smart factories with Korean SMEs. Smart factories can improve production efficiency, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact and workplace risks. 1,086 small and medium-sized enterprises took part in the smart factory program between 2015 and 2017 and saw a 54% increase in quality and a 58% increase in productivity.  Samsung is planning to reach out to 2,500 further SMEs in Korea between 2018 and 2022, with the focus of the expanded project being on sustainable growth in the era of industry 4.0.

Recently, Samsung investigated the working environments of migrant workers at its first-tier suppliers in Malaysia. Migrant workers remain a vulnerable demographic, and Samsung demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that they are treated fairly with its 2019 Ethical Recruitment and Fair Labor Practice Training Session, held in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The training drew around 80 managers from Samsung’s Malaysian supply chain, and covered issues such as ethical recruitment, due diligence, and how to identify and combat unethical employment practices.

Samsung has developed its Responsible Sourcing of Minerals policy in order to ensure the ethical sourcing of minerals throughout its supply chain. The company takes the issues of environmental deterioration and human rights violations in conflict areas in 10 African countries seriously, and has banned the use of minerals that are mined illegally in conflict regions. In order to help address unethical mining practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo specifically, Samsung Electronics has started the Cobalt for Development program in partnership with other multinational companies. This program aims to improve the labor conditions and the living environments at specific cobalt mines in the country.

^*Samsung’s supplier support initiatives vary from market to market

The Samsung Paralympic Showcase was revamped and renamed to help all fans embrace the excitement of the Paralympic Winter Games, enabling them to create, capture and share their experiences while celebrating the Paralympic Spirit. In addition to being exposed to Samsung’s latest technological advancements, visitors are able to feel the exhilaration and thrills of various adventures through the Samsung Gear VR powered by the Galaxy Note8, including Snowboarding, Mission to Space and others.

Exclusively for the Paralympic Winter Games, visitors can experience how the vision-enhancing Relúmĭno application works in conjunction with the Samsung Gear VR powered by the Galaxy Note8 to help those with low vision see the world more clearly. Wheelchair accessible ramps and lifts will ensure all athletes and fans are able to participate in a variety of interactive experiences.

“Samsung has been a longstanding supporter of the Paralympic Movement, bringing innovations and technological advancements that promote accessibility for athletes, fans and officials,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons. “There is not a doubt that Samsung will continue to bring exciting, meaningful and inclusive experiences for all during PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.”

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons visits the Samsung Paralympic Showcase in Gangneung along with members of IPC marketing team on Tuesday, March 13 during the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons visits the Samsung Paralympic Showcase in Gangneung along with members of IPC marketing team during the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons visits the Samsung Paralympic Showcase in Gangneung accompanied by members of IPC marketing team and of IOC/TMS during the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

For the first-time since Samsung Electronics became a Worldwide Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category, all Paralympians received a Galaxy Note8 as part of an exclusive pack that features a fast-charging battery pack as well as a special case that incorporates a Paralympic Winter Games interface once attached to the phone. 

Paralympians from Serbia celebrate the beginning of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony with their exclusive Galaxy Note8, on Friday, March 9, 2018. In collaboration with the IPC, Samsung presented all Paralympians with an exclusive pack featuring a Galaxy Note8, a fast-charging battery pack as well as a special case that incorporates a PyeongChang 2018 interface once attached to the phone.

Austrian Paralympian captures and shares the spirit and excitement of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony using his exclusive Galaxy Note8, on Friday, March 9, 2018 in PyeongChang, Korea.

Ukrainian Paralympians at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Czech Paralympians at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Canadian Paralympians at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Korean Paralympians at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, Samsung has supported 6 consecutive Paralympic Games, and is proud to be an official worldwide partner of PyeongChang 2018. Samsung hosts various Paralympic Games campaigns that aim to enable athletes and fans around the world to participate in Paralympic Movement and to spread the excitement and inspiration of the Games through its wireless communication technologies. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Partner continues through PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.

As part of the Samsung Paralympic Blogger program, 30 Paralympians from countries including Brazil, United States of America, Korea, Great Britain, France, Spain, China as well as an athlete from the Independent Paralympic Athletes team received Samsung Galaxy S7 phones and other mobile accessories to capture exclusive, behind-the-scenes 360 blogs that allows them to share their experiences with the world. Through their daily posts, fans will get a firsthand glimpse at Paralympic Games moments that can’t be seen at home, as athletes will share exclusive content captured during training sessions, competition preparation, Opening Ceremony and more.

The Samsung Paralympic Blogger program is an extension of the project which began during the London 2012 Paralympic Games and continued through the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which was the first time that athletes created vlogs from a major sporting event. The program helps establish a heritage of commitment to Paralympians, while challenging the world to focus on athletes’ ability and engage with their personal stories. This program is part of Samsung’s overall Rio 2016 Paralympic Games campaign which celebrates how meaningful progress comes from daring to defy barriers and seeing ability over disability.

Key highlights from this week include:

Tatyana McFadden (Athletics, USA) shares Team USA preparations for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

“Team USA is leaving for the Opening Ceremony! So exciting”

Gustavo Fernandez (Wheelchair Tennis, Argentina) at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

“I have all the family watching me here. After so many years it was so worth it. It’s worth it. It’s very exciting!”

Janet McLachlan (Wheelchair Basketball, Canada) at Team Canada Paralympic Village Welcome Ceremony and Flag Raising Ceremony.

“Today is Canada’s Welcome Ceremony, and it’s something quite especial, especially for those from our team who will be unable to attend the Opening Ceremony”

Teresa Perales (Swimming, Spain) training session with her teammates at the Aquatics Center.

“We have lots and lots of energy and are enjoy the water very much! I hope to see you guys in the next video. We’ll be doing a bit of trouble making. See ya!”

You can watch more videos and follow your favorite athletes by visiting www.youtube.com/Paralympics. For more information about Samsung’s involvement in the Paralympic Games, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com/Olympics/

The full list of athletes taking part in the Samsung Paralympic Bloggers project includes:

Abdi Jama (Wheelchair basketball, Great Britain)

Alvaro Valera (Table tennis, Spain)

Amalia Perez (Powerlifting, Mexico)

Andre Brasil (Swimming, Brazil)

Arnaud Assoumani (Athletics, France)

Carlos Serrano (Swimming, Colombia)

Chuck Aoki (Wheelchair rugby, USA)

Cuiping Zhang (Shooting, China)

Darwin Castro (Athletics, Ecuador)

David Smith (Boccia, Great Britain)

Fabien Lamirault (Table tennis, France)

Gustavo Fernandez (Wheelchair tennis, Argentina)

Gustavo Sanchez (Swimming, Mexico)

Hannah McFadden (Athletics, USA)

Hwa Sook Lee (Archery, South Korea)

Ibrahim Al-Hussein (Swimming, Independent Paralympic Athletes)

Janet McLachlan (Wheelchair basketball, Canada)

Jinho Park (Shooting, South Korea)

Katie Holloway (Sitting volleyball, USA)

Leinier Savon Pineda (Athletics, Cuba)

Liu Jing (Table tennis, China)

Marie-Amelie Le Fur (Athletics, France)

Michael Jeremiasz (Wheelchair tennis, France)

Natalia Mayara (Wheelchair tennis, Brazil)

Petrucio Ferreira (Athletics, Brazil)

Tatyana McFadden (Athletics, USA)

Teresa Perales (Swimming, Spain)

Terezinha Guilhermina (Athletics, Brazil)

Ye Ruyi (Wheelchair Fencing, China)

Yohansson Nascimento (Athletics, Brazil)

Samsung Electronics, Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, today announced its global Rio 2016 Paralympic Games campaign – a continuation of the brand’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games program – which celebrates how meaningful progress comes from daring to defy barriers. The campaign kicks off with the announcement of several on-the-ground activations including the transformation of Samsung Galaxy Studios in Rio, the Samsung Paralympic Blogger program, official application and the Whang Youn Dai Award.

“The Paralympic Games are a global movement that inspire and celebrate the spirit of progress and the human challenge,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung strives to create breakthrough mobile technologies that help make the digital world more accessible for those with disabilities. We hope our Rio 2016 Paralympic Games campaign will help spark a global conversation around seeing ability over disability and enable everyone to participate in the Paralympic movement.”

Accessible Experiences at Samsung Galaxy Studios

In the lead-up to the Paralympic Games, Samsung has revamped its Galaxy Studios in Rio, including its flagship studio in Olympic Park, including several accessibility features, ensuring all consumers, athletes and fans are able to take part in a variety of interactive experiences. Wheelchair accessible ramps and lifts enable visitors to reach the Gear VR 4D Experience Zone, where they will experience exhilarating Olympic Sports, roller coaster rides and kayaking through water rapids via Samsung Gear VR paired with Galaxy mobile devices.

Samsung also offers unique, hands-on opportunities for visitors to experience how Samsung Accessibility technology features are designed and utilized to help those with disabilities. Galaxy Accessibility Experience Programs will include:

• “Blind Game” – Visitors will learn how voice assistance works by utilizing the feature to play 30-second maze games on Galaxy mobile phones
• “Sound Detector” – Through the “Sound Detector” feature on Galaxy mobile devices, visitors will learn how people with hearing disabilities use the sound detector feature to sense the status of audible surroundings, such as a bell ringing or a baby crying.
• “Color Adjust” – The graphic interface feature will showcase how “Samsung Color Adjust” can help people with color vision deficiency to see vibrant colors. Users will see a series of images on Galaxy mobile devices as someone with color deficiency would see, and will then will be able to compare how a world with colors changes the images as they are then displayed with the adjusted colors
• “Review Your Moment” – The “Review Your Moment” experience is a demonstration of the “Samsung Dexterity Feature.” Visitors will learn how those who have difficulties utilizing mobile touch screens with their hands can operate smartphones with head gestures or third party hardware switches. Fans will use a selfie application feature and collect their printed photo following the experience.

Get Behind the Scenes through the Samsung Paralympic Blogger Program

Samsung will once again partner with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to provide 30 Paralympians from countries including Brazil, United States of America, Korea, Great Britain, France, Spain, China as well as an athlete from the Independent Paralympic Athletes team the opportunity to capture and share their Rio 2016 Paralympic Games experiences with the world. As part of the Samsung Paralympic Blogger team, each of the 30 athletes will receive a Samsung Galaxy S7 and other mobile accessories to create exclusive, behind-the-scenes 360 vlogs, which will be uploaded on various digital platforms including the IPC’s YouTube channel, Samsung channels and the athletes’ social media accounts. Content will allow fans to get a firsthand glimpse of how these Paralympians are defying barriers and showcasing their tremendous athletic abilities on the world stage.

Athletes in the Paralympic Village will also be able to experience the Samsung Paralympic Bloggers in 360 by visiting a special station and viewing the content through Gear VR headsets paired with Samsung mobile phones. The stations will also contain other 360 content from key landmarks in Rio, allowing athletes to see the sites without leaving the Paralympic Village.

“We are thrilled to once again work with Samsung to share the excitement and inspiration of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with the world through the eyes of the Samsung Paralympic Blogger team,” said IPC President, Sir Philip Craven. “As a longstanding Worldwide Paralympic Partner, Samsung continues to bring meaningful technology to the Paralympic Movement that helps both athletes and fans connect with the Paralympic Games.”

The Rio 2016 App: Enhancing the Paralympic Games through Innovative Technology

The official application of Rio 2016, “The Rio 2016 App”, developed by Samsung in collaboration with the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, provides athletes, fans and consumers with 24/7 updates on all of the latest Paralympic news. The app, which received more than 6 million downloads during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games period, has been updated to provide the official Paralympic Games schedule, venue and event information, results, medal counts, more real-time updates and information of Samsung’s marketing activities during the Paralympic Games.

The Rio 2016 Official Application is available for free download through the Samsung Galaxy Apps, Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS, and selected App Store in China as well as the Windows App Store.

Samsung Supports Athletes Defying Barriers through Whang Youn Dai Award

To further support athletes who are defying barriers, Samsung will once again sponsor the Whang Youn Dai Award, which was established by the IPC to recognize Paralympians who have overcome adversities through sports and inspire and excite the world through the spirit of the Paralympic Games. During the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, a Samsung representative will present the award to one male and one female winner as part of a victory medal ceremony.

For more information about Samsung’s involvement in the Paralympic Games, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com/Olympics/

The list of athletes taking part in the Samsung Paralympic Bloggers project includes:

Abdi Jama (Wheelchair basketball, Great Britain)

Alvaro Valera (Table tennis, Spain)

Amalia Perez (Powerlifting, Mexico)

Andre Brasil (Swimming, Brazil)

Arnaud Assoumani (Athletics, France)

Carlos Serrano (Swimming, Colombia)

Chuck Aoki (Wheelchair rugby, USA)

Cuiping Zhang (Shooting, China)

Darwin Castro (Athletics, Ecuador)

David Smith (Boccia, Great Britain)

Fabien Lamirault (Table tennis, France)

Gustavo Fernandez (Wheelchair tennis, Argentina)

Gustavo Sanchez (Swimming, Mexico)

Hannah McFadden (Athletics, USA)

Hwa Sook Lee (Archery, South Korea)

Ibrahim Al-Hussein (Swimming, Independent Paralympic Athletes)

Janet McLachlan (Wheelchair basketball, Canada)

Jinho Park (Shooting, South Korea)

Katie Holloway (Sitting volleyball, USA)

Leinier Savon Pineda (Athletics, Cuba)

Liu Jing (Table tennis, China)

Marie-Amelie Le Fur (Athletics, France)

Michael Jeremiasz (Wheelchair tennis, France)

Natalia Mayara (Wheelchair tennis, Brazil)

Petrucio Ferreira (Athletics, Brazil)

Tatyana McFadden (Athletics, USA)

Teresa Perales (Swimming, Spain)

Terezinha Guilhermina (Athletics, Brazil)

Ye Ruyi (Wheelchair Fencing, China)

Yohansson Nascimento (Athletics, Brazil)