Allianz, IPC to continue partnership through 2020

Major insurance and financial services provider Allianz has expressed their intent to continue supporting the Paralympic Movement with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) through another four years.

The announcement came during the Rio 2016 Paralympics at the Allianz media reception, where Allianz signed a letter of intent and negotiations are set to take place after the Games.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “Allianz has been a hugely proactive and loyal partner who has been with the IPC for over 10 years now.

“I truly believe our partnership is making a difference to this world and I am excited that we have signed a letter of intent to extend our partnership for a further four years.

“Together we can continue to make a difference, and together we can make for a more inclusive society for all.”

“Allianz is proud to support the Paralympic Movement to foster public awareness and generate a greater interest in Paralympic sport and the topic of inclusion,” said Jean-Marc Pailhol, Head of Market Management and Distribution of Allianz SE. “We aim to contribute to building a more equitable society where all people have equal opportunities.”Allianz, the world’s leading insurance and asset management company, has been a supporter of the Paralympic Movement since 2006 and took a major step by becoming the IPC’s first International Partner in 2011.

Allianz also supports the Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) Team with travel insurance for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games as well as onsite in Rio de Janeiro. Werner Zedelius, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE, said: “Giving Paralympic athletes with asylum or refugee status the opportunity to compete in Rio means a lot to us at Allianz and fits perfectly with our commitment and dedication. I have always been inspired by the motivation of all Paralympic athletes in their quest for excellence. Those among them who are currently without a home country have even greater barriers to transcend.”

In addition to its partnership with the IPC, Allianz is taking part in the #FillTheSeats campaign by supporting 3,000 children and people with an impairment to attend the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The campaign was initiated by Greg Nugent, the former Marketing Director of London 2012 and aims to bring 20,000 Brazilian children and people with an impairment to the Paralympic stadiums. This contribution will help to spread the Paralympic idea and to create a more inclusive society.

In addition to offering financial support to the Movement, Allianz created awareness campaigns for Para sports and invited Paralympians into the company to hold motivational sessions for employees, managers, agents and clients, thereby increasing the pool of Paralympic ambassadors around the world. The company’s latest “Dare to” campaign features a number of the world’s best Para athletes.

Allianz also supports 14 local National Paralympic Committees (NPCs): Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Greece, Colombia, Great Britain and Mexico. Continuing what they did for London 2012 and Sochi 2014, Allianz created new information graphics to explain a variety of Para sports, such as the rules, classification and equipment.