Paddle UK is delighted to announce a new partnership with world-leading mouthguard brand, OPRO, supplying Britain's top kayak cross athletes with dental protection for the next 12 months.
OPRO, the world's largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, will become an Official Partner of Paddle UK.
As part of the new one-year agreement, OPRO will provide all kayak cross athletes on the World Class Programme with bespoke, custom-fit mouthguards as the head-to-head format prepares to make its Olympic Games debut at Paris 2024 this summer.
The partnership will also see Paddle UK members receive a discount of 20% off their OPRO orders.
OPRO has supported over ten million athletes around the world with their range of patented custom-fit and self-fit mouthguards. In recognition of their ground-breaking work in the field of oral protection, OPRO received the Queen's Award for Innovation in 2007 and 2019.
Kayak cross is a high-energy, contact sport and this partnership provides GB athletes with the trust that when they wear an OPRO mouthguard, they can concentrate on their sport and know that their teeth and gums are protected.
The partnership with Paddle UK is a first for OPRO in water sports, adding to their relationships with England Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, Great Britain Hockey, the UFC and more.
Daniel Lovat, Commercial Director at OPRO commented:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Paddle UK as their official mouthguard provider for the Kayak Cross World Class Programme, supporting their athletes with the most breathable and protective mouthguards.
“As our first water sports partner, we are incredibly excited to see kayak cross debut on the Olympic stage and the impact this will have for the sport going forward.
“We wish the athletes competing in Paris the very best of luck!”
Mark Ratcliffe, Performance Director for Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross, said:
“I'm delighted that we're partnering with such an established brand in OPRO for the next 12 months.
“They're a leader in their field across a number of sports, so it's great Paddle UK is their first official partner within water sports.
“It's a really exciting time for kayak cross as the discipline prepares to make its Olympic Games debut in Paris this summer.
“Athletes now have access to the best mouthguards out there to provide them with the protection to enhance our preparation for this summer and beyond.”