Gold Patrons

The IPC is very proud to have Allianz SE, one of the world's top insurance and financial services companies, as well as Deutsche Telekom AG, a world-leading telecommunications and information technology services provider, as their two Gold Patrons. This represents the highest level of recognition by the IPC to a donor, a distinction which both companies have earned through their important financial contributions and overall commitment to the global Paralympic Movement.

The close collaboration between Allianz, Deutsche Telekom and the IPC will support the development of potential future Paralympians, as well as help spread the important message of equality and inclusion of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC Education Programme, and especially the Paralympic School Day and International Paralympic Day, will educate youth about Paralympic Sport and disability issues in a fun and playful environment. Ultimately the aim is to change perceptions of people with a disability through the powerful images and values of Paralympic sport.

In relation to their Patronage, Dr. Eick, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chairman of Deutsche Telekom AG, stated: “The support of sport for persons with a disability and of the Paralympic Movement is a consistent development of our corporate responsibility in society in the area of sport.” Added Dr. Rupprecht, Executive Board Member Allianz SE: “I am pleased that Allianz together with its partners supports the aim of the Paralympic Movement and athletes with a disability to strive for excellence."

Allianz SE

Allianz SE is honoured to partner with the trusted and highly enabling International Paralympic Committee. Allianz SE is one of the world's leading insurers and financial services providers. Founded in 1890 in Berlin, Allianz is present in more than 70 countries with over 177.000 employees. The competitiveness and the performance of Paralympic athletes is exceptional – a motivation that drives us to deliver outstanding services to our 60 Million customers world-wide every day. For the future, this partnership allows Allianz and IPC to initiate jointly developed projects, to allow for a better understanding of social and customer needs. Taking the athlete’s exceptional achievements and the outstanding performance as a role model for all our Allianz’ people, this partnership also sets a standard for employee engagement, motivation and performance.

Deutsche Telekom AG

The Deutsche Telekom AG is one of the world's leading telecommunications and information technology service providers with a Group revenue of EUR 59.6 billion in 2005. By focusing on the three strategic growth areas Broadband/Fixed Network, Business Customers and Mobile Communications Deutsche Telekom is consistently aligning itself with the needs of its customers. The Group commits itself to the philosophy of sustainability and pursues its business activities according to economic, social and ecological criteria.

Other Patrons

Electricité de France

Electricité de France (EDF) is proud to be a Patron of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and of the worldwide Paralympic Movement. EDF's contribution includes a cash donation to the IPC inorder to help develop programmes to bring sport to people with a disability around the world, as well as to assist the IPC to combat the discrimination and exclusion faced by people with a disability. In addition, EDF has donated new wheelchair fencing frames that were developed by EDF's own engineers and that was premiered at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. EDF will also provide training and coaching assistance to the Chinese Sports Federation for Persons with a Disability in the years leading up to the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. For more information, please visit the official site at http://www.edf.com/103001i/Accueil-fr/EDF-Sponsoring.html .