By Duncan Mackay

German company Allianz have been one of the longest supporters of the Paralympic Movement around the worldOctober 17 - German multinational financial services company Allianz has extended its worldwide support of the Paralympic Movement by agreeing a new sponsorship deal in Sri Lanka. 


Allianz Lanka, a unit of the Munich-based company, has signed up to sponsor Sri Lanka's National Federation of Sports for the Disabled (NFSD).

The company, which has had a partnership with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since 2006 and two years ago became its first-ever International Partner, already has partnerships with National Paralympic Committees from around the world, including Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Turkey

"Our partnership provides a meaningful link between Paralympics and the concerns of our employees and customers," said Surekha Alles, Allianz's chief executive in Sri Lanka. 

"These athletes' passion for the sport, their ambition to achieve their goals despite the odds and their ability to believe in themselves, mirror the Allianz work ethic.

"There is another strong link between Allianz and the Paralympics: areas of health, rehabilitation and reintegration following an injury are also areas in which Allianz provides support to our customers worldwide.

"The topic of impairment is an issue that concerns all of us and could affect us, our families and friends, at anytime."

Sri Lanka made its debut in the Paralympics at Atlanta in 1996 and at London last year won its first medal when Pradeep Sanjaya finished third in the T46 400 metres.

Afterwards he claimed that he had received no help from anyone in Sri Lanka and had had to support himself during his preparations.

Pradeep Sanjaya (far right) won Sri Lanka's first-ever medal in the Paralympics when he finished third in the T46 400m at London 2012Pradeep Sanjaya (far right) won Sri Lanka's first-ever medal in the Paralympics when he finished third in the T46 400m at London 2012

Allianz Lanka will provide financial and practical support to the Paralympic Movement in Sri Lanka.

In association with the IPC, Allianz will conduct a workshop to help the NFSD prepare a strategic plan, help them prepare for Rio 2016 and launch a campaign to help raise awareness of the Paralympics in Sri Lanka.

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April 2013: Allianz extends sponsorship of IPC through to Rio 2016
June 2011: Ireland celebrating deal with Allianz
June 2011: Allianz becomes first ever IPC International Partner and agrees six new deals with National Paralympic Committees