The Hartford Continues Long-time Support Of U.S. Paralympics With $100,000 Donation

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Continuing its long history of supporting U.S. Paralympic athletes, The Hartford is closing out a national multimedia campaign with a $100,000 contribution to U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee dedicated to recruiting and training elite athletes with physical disabilities.

The group benefits provider committed to the donation as part of its national campaign, which included television ads starring U.S. Paralympic snowboarders Evan Strong and Amy Purdy. In the gravity-defying ads, Purdy and Strong encouraged viewers to be defined by their abilities and invited them to share via social media what defines them. The Hartford pledged to make a contribution to U.S. Paralympics based on social media activity from whatdefinesyou.com.

“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.”

In addition, The Hartford helped sponsor 52 hours of TV coverage in the U.S. on NBC and NBCSN of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

“I deeply appreciate The Hartford's support of my journey to Sochi and ongoing encouragement during my ‘Dancing With The Stars' competition,” said Purdy, who won a bronze in women's snowboard cross in Sochi and came in second place on the TV show.

“I am thankful for The Hartford's long history of support and continued efforts to raise awareness about Paralympic competition and athletes,” said Strong, who won gold for Team USA at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in the U.S. men's podium sweep in snowboard cross.

The Hartford began supporting U.S. Paralympic athletes and events 20 years ago. In 2003, The Hartford became the Official Disability Insurance Sponsor of U.S. Paralympics. The partnership extends to 2016.

About The Hartford

With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford HIG is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.

The Hartford^® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including issuing companies, Hartford Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, Conn.

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