The International Federation of Paralympic athletics has also secured an option to extend the deal through to 2020.

In addition to its current support of the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships here, Allianz will support the 2018 European Championships in Germany’s capital Berlin.  

This is the second time Allianz has renewed its partnership with World Para Athletics, having done so previously in March 2015.

Since Allianz first became a World Para Athletics partner in 2014, it is claimed the sport has grown significantly.

The number of licensed athletes around the world has grown from 3,770 in 114 countries at the end of 2013 to 4,702 in 157 countries by the end of last year.

Over the same period, the number of people visiting the World Para Athletics website has grown by 193 per cent and the World Para Athletics social media following has increased by 177 per cent.

"We are thrilled and excited that one of the Paralympic Movement’s most trusted and supportive partners have extended its support of World Para Athletics until at least 2018," Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said.

"It is no coincidence that since Allianz became a global partner of World Para Athletics, the sport has enjoyed tremendous growth in all areas.

"Allianz’s support enables us to not only increase the resources we can dedicate to the sport, but it provides us with a fantastic platform to grow interest and awareness of Para-athletics around the world.

"We look forward to continuing our excellent work with Allianz in the coming years."

Jean-Marc Pailhol, head of group market management and distribution at Allianz, added: "Allianz’s partnership with World Para Athletics is one component of many to creating a more equitable society equal opportunities for everyone.

"I truly believe that our engagement in Para-sport is making a difference to this world, fostering public awareness and generating greater interest in the topic of disability and inclusion."

Allianz boasts a long and proud history of supporting the Paralympic Movement and developing campaigns to raise awareness and generate interest in Para-sport, dating back to 2006.

As part of its World Para Athletics partnership since 2014, Allianz has supported the 2015 World Championships, the 2014 and 2016 European Championships, and a number of Grand Prix events.

In addition to its global support, 14 local Allianz companies support National Paralympic Committees in Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Slovakia, Sri Lanka and Switzerland.

The 2017 World Para Athletics Championships here have attracted 1,100 athletes from 95 countries.

Television pictures from London 2017 are being beamed to over 20 countries, more than ever before, while more than 800 media are covering the event.