The Hartford to partner with US Paralympics through Rio 2016

"Through The Hartford's programmes and events, we're not only raising awareness of US Paralympics, but also showing everyone how athletes with disabilities are able to strive for goals with no boundaries and achieve what may seem impossible."

US Paralympics has renewed its parternship with The Hartford through the Rio 2016 Games, reaffirming the two decades of support the organisation has already given American elite athletes.

The Hartford, which began as founding partnership of US Paralympics in 2003, will continue as the official disability insurance sponsor of US Paralympics for the next four years.

"The partnership between The Hartford, with our focus on achievement and ability, and the US Paralympic team is a natural fit," said Mike Concannon, executive vice president of Group Benefits for The Hartford.

"We have been a strong supporter of US Paralympic athletes since 1994 and are proud to continue our partnership of helping individuals break through physical limitations to achieve greatness."

As part of the partnership, The Hartford sponsors and organizes more than 200 events featuring American Paralympic athletes throughout the United States annually. These events provide a terrific opportunity for The Hartford's employees, clients and agency partners to share a meaningful experience in the course of everyday business.

"The Hartford has had a tremendous impact on the Paralympic movement in the United States," said USOC Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner.

"Throughout its long history with US Paralympics, including more than 15 years of sponsoring programs, organisations and world-class athletes, the company has been a true leader, and we are proud that our great partnership will continue."

The Hartford’s events also create educational opportunities across the US to promote awareness - particularly within the business community - about the value that employees with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Events include The Hartford's Paralympic Experiences, in which able-bodied professionals experience what it's like to overcome a physical limitation to achieve success.

In conjunction with the London 2012 Paralympic Games, The Hartford launched the “Achieve Without Limits Campaign” to give consumers the opportunity to engage with elite Paralympic athletes, to be inspired by the athletes' stories and understand what it means to achieve without limits.

"The Hartford's continued support of U.S. Paralympics, and athletes like myself, allows us to become better athletes, focus on our athletic goals and reach for our dreams," said Melissa Stockwell, a US Army veteran and para-triathlete who is training for Rio 2016.

"Through The Hartford's programmes and events, we're not only raising awareness of US Paralympics, but also showing everyone how athletes with disabilities are able to strive for goals with no boundaries and achieve what may seem impossible."