The Hartford extends partnership with U.S. Paralympics through 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games

Founding partner reaffirms nearly two decades of support for elite athletes

Hartford, Conn. - The Hartford and the United States Olympic Committee today announced The Hartford has renewed its sponsorship of U.S. Paralympics, a division of the USOC dedicated to recruiting and training elite athletes with physical disabilities. The Hartford, which began a founding partnership of U.S. Paralympics in 2003, will continue as the Official Disability Insurance Sponsor of U.S. Paralympics through 2016.

"The partnership between The Hartford, with our focus on achievement and ability, and the U.S. Paralympic team is a natural fit," said Mike Concannon, executive vice president of Group Benefits for The Hartford. "We have been a strong supporter of U.S. Paralympic athletes since 1994 and are proud to continue our partnership of helping individuals break through physical limitations to achieve greatness."

"The Hartford has had a tremendous impact on the Paralympic movement in the United States," said USOC Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner. "Throughout its long history with U.S. Paralympics, including more than 15 years of sponsoring programs, organizations and world-class athletes, the company has been a true leader, and we are proud that our great partnership will continue."

As part of the partnership, The Hartford sponsors and organizes more than 200 events featuring U.S. Paralympic athletes throughout the United States annually. These events provide a terrific opportunity for The Hartford's employees, clients and agency partners to share a meaningful experience in the course of everyday business. These events also create educational opportunities across the U.S. to promote awareness - particularly within the business community - about the value that employees with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Events include The Hartford's Paralympic Experiences, in which able-bodied professionals experience what it's like to overcome a physical limitation to achieve success. In conjunction with the London 2012 Paralympic Games, The Hartford launched the Achieve Without Limits Campaign to give consumers the opportunity to engage with elite U.S. Paralympic athletes, to be inspired by the athletes' stories, and understand what it means to achieve without limits.

"The Hartford's continued support of U.S. Paralympics, and athletes like myself, allows us to become better athletes, focus on our athletic goals and reach for our dreams," said Melissa Stockwell, a U.S. Army veteran and paratriathlete who is training for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games. "Through The Hartford's programs and events, we're not only raising awareness of U.S. Paralympics, but also showing everyone how athletes with disabilities are able to strive for goals with no boundaries and achieve what may seem impossible."

The Paralympic Games are the Olympic equivalent for athletes with physical disabilities and take place following the Olympic Games in the same host city and athletic venues. More than 4,600 athletes competed in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. For more information on U.S. Paralympics, visit usparalympics.org.

About The Hartford

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is a leading provider of insurance and wealth management services for millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. The Hartford is consistently recognized for its superior service, its sustainability efforts and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About the USOC

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country.

Media Contacts

The Hartford: Thomas Hambrick, (860) 547-974, thomas.hambrick@thehartford.com

USOC: Jeannine Hansen, (719) 866-2115, jeannine.hansen@usoc.org

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