The Hartford Launches National Campaign To Cheer Team USA To Victory At Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games
05 March 2010 - 2:45AM
Business Wire
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), the
founding sponsor of U.S. Paralympics, today launched a national
campaign to showcase the abilities of the U.S. Paralympic Team
competing at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12-21 and
recruit more fans of elite athletes with physical disabilities.
The Hartford’s campaign kicks off with a new Website,
(www.TheUSRocks.com) where Americans can send encouraging messages
to U.S. Paralympic athletes.
“We congratulate the athletes who have been chosen to represent
our country at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and
we are honored to have helped them reach their dreams,” said Robert
Reiff, senior vice president of distribution, field service,
association and product for The Hartford’s Group Benefits Division.
“The abilities of U.S. 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 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 U.S. Paralympic
athletes competing in Vancouver, as well as details about their
sports.
“We want everyone to experience the 2010 Paralympic Winter
Games,” Reiff said. “We hope Americans check our website daily
after March 12 to get up to speed on the medal tally.”
Athlete Adoptions
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, Conn., and
Syracuse, N.Y.
On Friday, March 12, The Hartford will hold an opening day
celebration at its Simsbury office. The event will kick off at 11
a.m. 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 U.S. team. “We can’t wait to
see first-hand our athletes competing against the best of the best
from around the globe,” said Reiff, who will be among the
spectators at the Paralympic Winter Games. “You can also follow The
Hartford on Twitter and Facebook for updates from Vancouver on Team
USA.”
Gold medalist Stephani Victor, who will be competing in alpine
skiing in Vancouver, her third Paralympic Games, said The
Hartford’s support has been essential.
“The Hartford has been a vital part of my development as a
Paralympian, and I am most grateful for all of the support,” said
Victor, who was named the USOC's 2009 Paralympic SportsWoman of the
Year. “The Hartford's involvement has positively moved Paralympic
sport forward in the U.S.”
Role Models
The Hartford has engaged its business partners in its campaign.
The Hartford created a 2010 calendar, posters, note cards and
postage stamps featuring stylized photos of U.S. 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.
“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,” said Reiff. “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 U.S. Paralympics, in recognition of its long-time
support of disabled sports organizations and athletes.
“Our sponsorship of U.S. Paralympics would not be possible if
not for employees’ enthusiastic support,” Reiff said. “We
appreciate the time and effort that they’ve volunteered for our
Paralympic events through the years.”
About U.S. Paralympics
U.S. Paralympics, a Division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is
dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic movement
and is dedicated to promoting excellence in the lives of people
with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Web site at
usparalympics.org.
About The Hartford
Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an
insurance-based financial services company that serves households,
businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and
income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A
Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its
service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies.
More information on the company and its financial performance is
available at www.thehartford.com.
HIG-L
Some of the statements in this release may be considered
forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors
should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may
cause actual results to differ. These important risks and
uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other
filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We
assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the
date issued.
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