Independent Paralympic Athlete team makes history in Rio thanks to the support of Allianz SE

Syrian refugee Ibrahim Al Hussein has described 2016 as the best year of his life and said the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were a big part of that.

Al Hussein, who had part of his leg blown off in a rocket attack when he went to the aid of a friend during the civil war in his home country, was one of two athletes that made up the first ever Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) team at Rio 2016.

Ahead of and during Rio 2016, the team was supported financially by the IPC’s international partner Allianz SE who helped fund the cost of participation in Rio for the IPC team. Al Hussein and teammate Shahrad Nasajpour competed in the Games under the International Paralympic flag. The pair was the first team to march and led the parade of athletes at the Opening Ceremony on 7 September.

During the Games Al Hussein set two personal bests competing in the 50m and 100m freestyle swimming events. This, he said, left him with great memories of Rio and enabled him to meet many new friends - which he says is far better than winning a medal.

Nasajpour is originally from Iran and now lives in the United States. He competed in the F37 discuss event and finished 11th. He said it was like a dream for him to make it to Rio for the Paralympic Games.

In addition to Allianz SE’s financial support of the IPA team, Allianz Worldwide Care provided insurance cover for the team whilst in Rio.

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: “I would like to thank our international partner Allianz SE for their tremendous support of the Independent Paralympic Athletes team.

“Thanks to their continued support of the Paralympic Movement, two refugee athletes have been able to fulfil their dream to compete at a Paralympic Games in front of millions of spectators and billions of TV viewers.

“Allianz SE’s support has helped the world see the ability of Paralympic sport to bring about social change through the story of this team and the two athletes.

“We are delighted these athletes have been able to push their bodies to the ultimate limits here in Rio and really transform everybody they’ve come into contact with as a result.”

Tony Sainsbury, a five-time Chef de Mission of the British Paralympic team, served as the Chef de Mission for the IPA Team in Rio. He said: “Unfortunately there are many conflicts around the world.

“Hopefully, in refugee camps around the world, refugees with impairments will see that opportunities do exist.”

In addition to Allianz SE’s support of the IPA team, the company was also the first corporate partner to support the #FilltheSeats campaign. Their support acted as a catalyst to raising $450,000 to take 15,000 Brazilian children to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.