US sponsor launches new campaign to showcase athletes at Winter Paralympics

March 7- The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, the founding sponsor of US Paralympics, has launched a national campaign to showcase the abilities of the athletes competing at the Winter Paralympics in Vancouver.

The Hartford's campaign kicks off with a new website, where Americans can send encouraging messages to US Paralympic athletes.

Robert Reiff, the senior vice-president of distribution, field service, association and product for The Hartford's Group Benefits Division, said: "We congratulate the athletes who have been chosen to represent our country at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and we are honoured to have helped them reach their dreams.

"The abilities of US Paralympic athletes are amazing, and their achievements are inspiring.

"We hope all Americans will join us in wishing the entire team the best of luck in Vancouver."

The Games are due to open in Vancouver on Friday (March 12).

The US Rocks website also features a clock counting down to the start of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, a Paralympic crossword challenge, and biographies and fun facts about US Paralympic athletes competing in Vancouver, as well as details about their sports.

Reiff said: "We want everyone to experience the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

"We hope Americans check our website daily after March 12 to get up to speed on the medal tally."

As part its campaign, more than 60 teams of The Hartford employees have "adopted" Paralympic athletes who are competing at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Employees have expressed their heart-felt support for their "adopted" athlete through a good luck video and "care packages."

The Hartford recently held send-off parties for one of its "adopted" athletes - U.S. Paralympian Augusto "Goose" Perez - at its offices in Simsbury, Conneticut., and Syracuse, New York.

To coincide with the Opening Ceremony, The Hartford will hold an opening day celebration at its Simsbury office.

The event will kick off at 11am. with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a torch relay by employees on each floor of the four-floor building.

The torch will handed off virtually to employees in offices throughout the country.

In addition, The Hartford is sending a group of employees to Vancouver to personally cheer on the US team.

Reiff said: "We can't wait to see first-hand our athletes competing against the best of the best from around the globe.

Turin 2006 gold medallist Stephani Victor (pictured), the USOC's 2009 Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year, who will be competing in alpine skiing in Vancouver, her third Paralympic Games, said The Hartford's support has been essential.

She said: "The Hartford has been a vital part of my development as a Paralympian, and I am most grateful for all of the support.

"The Hartford's involvement has positively moved Paralympic sport forward in the US."

The Hartford has also engaged its business partners in its campaign.

The Hartford created a 2010 calendar, posters, note cards and postage stamps featuring stylised photographss of US Paralympic athletes.

The calendar, posters and stationery are being given to The Hartford's employer clients and benefits professionals.

Also, callers who dial into The Hartford about their group disability insurance benefits and are placed on hold will hear a message inviting them to tune into the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Reiff said: "The elite athletes of U.S. Paralympics are powerful, positive role models for our disability claimants.

"They are the true embodiment of our Ability Philosophy - that success is possible when you focus on abilities, not limitations.

"We believe it's important for all Americans to support these incredible athletes as they represent our country on a world stage."

Last year, The Hartford received the Paralympic Amazing Investor Award from US Paralympics, in recognition of its long-time support of disabled sports organisations and athletes.

Reiff said: "Our sponsorship of US Paralympics would not be possible if not for employees' enthusiastic support.

"We appreciate the time and effort that they've volunteered for our Paralympic events through the years."

To see the US Rocks website click here.