Ottobock Partners With TikTok and Eurovision Star, Sam Ryder, to Create Empowering Anthem Celebrating Stories from Disability Community
June 15, 2023, Austin, TX — On June 13, global health-tech brand, Ottobock, launched #IAmAMountain; a global initiative destined to unite and empower people with disabilities across the world via the life-celebrating anthem, ‘Mountain’ written specifically for the campaign by Eurovision’s Sam Ryder.
Presented for the first time at the grand finale of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest on May 13 in Liverpool, Sam Ryder’s “Mountain” honors the fearlessness it takes to get to the other side of adversity. Dubbed by many as the highlight of the evening, Sam Ryder performed alongside Queen drummer, Roger Taylor, as performers with disabilities took the stage and made Eurovision history in front of over 180 million viewers.
When writing “Mountain” for this campaign, Sam Ryder was inspired by the personal stories of people who use Ottobock orthotic, prosthetic, and mobility devices. He comments, “The song ‘Mountain’ celebrates perseverance and is intended to give courage to all who need it. It is all about growing in the face of loss, grief, or darkness, and becoming as strong as a mountain. And then looking back with pride and new zest for life on how you have overcome what life has thrown in your way.”
The #IAmAMountain campaign brings together stories from 26 Ottobock users from 14 countries. As part of the initiative, they are sharing their personal moments on social media – including the highs and lows. Alongside Sam Ryder, they will be inviting everyone to join in the conversation by asking “What have you overcome?” calling for others to share their personal experiences under the hashtag #IAmAMountain.
Martin Böhm, Ottobock’s Chief Experience Officer, said, “Sam Ryder is the perfect voice and partner for our campaign. His involvement will help our community overcome so many barriers, just as his Eurovision performance was a moment of real visibility and representation for people with disabilities in front of an audience of millions. We will be taking this approach to the next level with our #IAmAMountain campaign. By inviting people with disabilities to share their stories, we hope to change society’s perception and instead, celebrate all the things that are possible in life. This is exactly what Ottobock is all about.”
Ottobock looks forward to bringing more visibility and representation in mainstream media through the #IAmAMountain campaign and beyond.
About Sam Ryder
After a stellar 2022 which rocketed him into the musical stratosphere, Sam Ryder continues to reinforce himself as one of the UK’s quickest emerging names in British music. His hit single ‘Space Man’, representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, became certified GOLD selling over half a million copies in the UK and his debut album ‘There’s Nothing But Space, Man!’ is a catalogue of infectious pop energy that soared to the No.1 spot. Sam’s rapid successes have earned him personal bests, as well as prestigious accolades, including: performing at the Queen’s Jubilee, the GB Formula 1 Grand Prix, closing out the 2023 BRIT Awards, and was personally invited by Dave Grohl and Queen to perform with them at Wembley Stadium for the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert.
About Ottobock
For more than 100 years, Ottobock has been developing innovative treatment solutions for people with reduced mobility. As a Human Empowerment Company, Ottobock works to improve freedom of movement and quality of life and helps people achieve greater independence. This is supported by more than 9,000 employees. Through their ability to innovate, their outstanding technical solutions and services in the fields of Prosthetics, Orthotics, NeuroMobility and Patient Care, they enable people in 135 countries to live their lives in the way they want to. Founded in 1919, the company continues to set new standards and drive the digitalization of the industry – together with its partners, medical supply companies and research institutions – as the global market leader in wearable human bionics. Since 2018, Ottobock has been applying its expertise in biomechanics to exoskeletons for ergonomic workplaces. The international activities of the company are coordinated from its headquarters in Duderstadt in Lower Saxony in Germany. Ottobock has been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical know-how since 1988. The North American HQ is located in Austin, Texas.
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