Sochi 2014 Supports Russia's National Ice Sledge Hockey Team

Sochi Paralympics first time Russia will compete with Ice Sledge Hockey team 28 Jun 2011 By IPC

"By bringing about a transformation in this area which will benefit generations to come, Sochi 2014 will leave an invaluable legacy."

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games will be the first time that Russia will have the opportunity to compete in a Paralympic Winter Games in the sport of Ice Sledge Hockey.

Sochi 2014 partners, Ingosstrakh - a leading Russian insurance company - and MegaFon - a leading Russian mobile phone operator - have signed co-operation agreements with the Russian Paralympic Committee, with the aim of working on the development of Russia's Paralympic National Team as well as the first ever agreement for the promotion of the Russian Ice Sledge Hockey Team.

The agreement will also include sponsorship of a programme with the Federation of Physical Culture & Sports for people living with physical disabilities.

Ice Sledge Hockey was made into an official Paralympic event in 1994 (Lillehammer), but the Russian National team never competed before.

The newly signed contracts with the Federation aim to provide financial and on-the-ground support for more than a dozen sporting events held under the patronage of the Federation, as well as training for students in higher education institutions and school children who are currently living with disabilities in Russia.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sochi 2014 President and CEO said: “Ingosstrakh and Megafon's support for Russia's National Paralympic team and for Russia's first ever Ice Sledge Hockey team is another significant milestone in a journey which is seeing Sochi 2014 helping to change the attitudes of our society towards people living with a disability.

“It sits alongside the special programme we have launched for raising awareness around the Paralympic Games and Paralympic values. By bringing about a transformation in this area which will benefit generations to come, Sochi 2014 will leave an invaluable legacy.”

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