Allianz Zagreb Becomes Bronze Partner of the Croatian Paralympic Committee

"I am extremely pleased that we are one of eight National Paralympic Committees to sign a sign a sponsorship agreement with such a large international corporation as Allianz."

With just over 400 days to go until the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Allianz Zagreb has signed a two year agreement to support the Croatian Paralympic Committee (HPO).

Under the terms of the agreement Allianz will become a bronze partner of HPO, and is part of a wider global partnership between Allianz, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and eight National Paralympic Committees.

Boris Galic, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Zagreb said: "We are proud that after many years of collaboration on a global level we now have the opportunity to become partners of the Croatian Paralympic Committee.

"Issues of health, rehabilitation and inclusiveness are all part of our daily operations. There are 650 million people worldwide living with disabilities and in Croatia, this stands at 530,000 people or every one in 10 Croats. If you look at your co-workers, neighbours and friends, you realize that disability is an issue that concerns us all.”

Ratko Kovacic, the President of the HPO said: "I am extremely pleased that we are one of eight National Paralympic Committees to sign a sign a sponsorship agreement with such a large international corporation as Allianz.

“For London, the Croatian Paralympic Committee will be looking to take more athletes than ever before. In these times of recession, when it is difficult to get sponsorship funds, this contract will be an additional tailwind in the development of sport for people with disabilities in Croatia.”

As part of its Paralympic partnership, Allianz is actively promoting the Paralympic Movement and is attempting to reduce social reticence towards disability and sport. With the slogan "We share the knowledge of International Paralympic Committee" they are spreading information about Paralympic sport disciplines. An emotional campaign, "Believe in Yourself," encourages the public and staff members to identify with the inspiring achievements of Paralympic athletes.

Allianz has produced an inspirational film about Paralympic athletes, including Croatia's Branimir Budetić, which was filmed earlier this year during the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships. Watcht the video now at the following link:

http://www.sponsoring.allianz.com/en/paralympics/videos/moodfilm/.