The Hartford, Connecticut, made a $100,000 contribution to the U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), following a national multimedia campaign that focused on recruiting and training elite athletes with physical disabilities. The group benefits provider committed to the donation as part of its national campaign, including television advertisements in which U.S. Paralympic snowboarders Evan Strong and Amy Purdy encouraged viewers to be defined by their abilities and invited them to share what defines them via social media. The contribution was based on social media activity from the campaign’s website.
“We’re thrilled at how many people joined us in supporting these amazing athletes who embody our ability philosophy of focusing on what you can do, not physical limitations,” said Mike Concannon, executive vice president of The Hartford’s Group Benefits business. “We hope our campaign has created new fans of Paralympic sports and that our donation will help many athletes follow Amy and Evan’s incredible example of overcoming obstacles to achieve success.”
The Hartford began supporting Paralympic athletes and events in 1994. In 2003, The Hartford became the Official Disability Insurance Sponsor of the U.S. Paralympics. The partnership extends to 2016.