The new deal aims to develop joint programmes and digital assets to help raise the profile of both Para-athletics and its athletes.

In addition, Allianz will support three IPC Athletics Grand Prix events this year in Notwill, Switzerland from May 16 to 18, Grosseto, Italy from May 30 to June 1 and in Berlin, Germany from June 20 to 22.

The deal also includes August's European Championships which are scheduled to take place in Swansea, Wales from August 18 to 23.

"We are delighted that Allianz, a very trusted friend and partner of the Paralympic Movement, has become IPC Athletics' first official global partner," commented IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

"Allianz has a strong and exemplary track record for creating engaging awareness campaigns that help to raise the profile of Para-sport and leading athletes, and I am confident this partnership will help do the same for Para-athletics.

"Following the success of London 2012, IPC Athletics launched a number of initiatives and competitions designed to get more people practising the sport at the grassroots, whilst at the same time increasing the number of high level competition opportunities for leading athletes.

"The IPC Athletics Grand Prix and Marathon World Cup have been great successes since their introduction and, with Allianz supporting the sport; they have the potential to be even better in future years."

Allianz will sponsor three IPC Athletics Grand Prix events and the European Championships in Swansea this year ©Getty Images



Allianz has been associated with the IPC and the Paralympic Movement since 2006 and in 2011 became the first-ever International Partner of the IPC, a deal which was extended last year to include the Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

In addition, the Munich-based multinational outfit has sponsorship agreements with National Paralympic Committees in Australia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Ukraine.

"Allianz and the IPC have a long tradition in partnership," said Werner Zedelius, member of the Board of Management of Allianz.

"The new partnership with IPC Athletics underlines our engagement for Para-sport and our ambition to give people the opportunity to show their excellence.

"We regularly invite athletes to Allianz to share their experience.

"Para-athletes inspire our employees and customers with their motivation and their ability to overcome barriers."

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