Dr. Werner Zedelius
When Allianz initiated the partnership with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the German National Committee (Deutscher Behindertensportverband, DBS) in 2006, the company committed itself to supporting Paralympic Athletes preparing for the Paralympic Games and to promote the Paralympic movement, its goals and ideals.
In 2011, Allianz became the first “International Partner” of the IPC and is a “National Supporter” of several National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) on a local level.
Looking back on the long-standing and mutually beneficial co-operation, Allianz and its partners have helped to foster public awareness and generate a greater interest in Paralympic Sport in general. Most importantly, the global insurer has managed to provide a meaningful link between the Paralympics Engagement and the concerns of the company’s employees and clients.
"There is a strong link that ties Allianz to the Paralympics,” says Werner Zedelius, member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE. “The topics of health, rehabilitation and reintegration after a casualty are part of our daily business and we understand that disability is an issue that concerns all of us.“
Through this strong partnership, Allianz has gained insights into the achievements, the goals, and the spirit of the Paralympic Movement: The athletes’ passion for what they do, their ambitions to achieve their goals and their ability to believe in themselves are remarkable. Their motivation to strive for excellence in Paralympic Sports can serve as inspiration for all people, everywhere, regardless of physical impairment.
The claim “Motivation to move on. Strength to move up.” serves as a guiding principle for all Allianz activities related to the Paralympics Partnership. Together with the IPC and the NPCs, Allianz will continue to bring the Paralympic Community forward and focus even more strongly on the motivation and strength of the Paralympic Athletes.
Dr. Werner Zedelius looks forward to the continued success of the International Partnership between Allianz and IPC: “Allianz experienced at first hand that the remarkable performance of the Paralympic Top Athletes is driven by enthusiasm and ambition. In the future we want to share these experiences more intensely with a broad public and help spread the message of the Paralympic Movement.”