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HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 5, 2014--U.S. Paralympic snowboarders Evan Strong and Amy Purdy take flight in The Hartford’s new television commercials and shred stereotypes about people with physical disabilities. Strong is a test pilot and Purdy is a fighter in the high-flying ads that will air in the U.S. during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games from March 7-16 on NBC and NBCSN.
U.S. Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy in The Hartford's TV Ad (Photo: Business Wire)
“I’m proud to represent my country at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games and show that I’m defined by my abilities and my accomplishments,” said Strong, 27, who lost part of his left leg as a result of being hit by a car while riding his motorcycle.
Sharing what defines them in the TV spots, Strong and Purdy invite fans to do the same at whatdefinesyou.com. The Hartford will make a $1 donation to U.S. Paralympics for every Twitter and Facebook posting or email share from the campaign site.*
Building on its two-decade commitment to U.S. Paralympic athletes, The Hartford helped sponsor the 52 hours of TV coverage of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games on NBC and NBCSN. Live coverage begins on NBCSN with the Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. EST on Friday, March 7.
“As a founding partner of U.S. Paralympics, we hope this unprecedented TV coverage of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will lead to greater awareness about these world-class athletes,” said Mike Concannon, executive vice president of The Hartford’s Group Benefits business. “We encourage our friends, family and business partners to cheer on Amy, Evan and Team USA in Sochi and join us in supporting U.S. Paralympic athletes all year long.”
The Hartford began backing U.S. Paralympic athletes and events 20 years ago. In 2003, The Hartford became the Official Disability Insurance Sponsor of U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee dedicated to recruiting and training elite athletes with physical disabilities. In 2012, the partnership was extended for another four years.
“I credit The Hartford’s long history of supporting the Paralympic Movement for making it possible for me to be on the U.S. Paralympic Team going to Sochi,” said Purdy, 34, a double-amputee after battling bacterial meningitis.
You can find the new TV ads with Strong and Purdy on The Hartford’s YouTube channel.
About The Hartford
With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE:HIG) is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.
The Hartford ® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including issuing companies, Hartford Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, Conn.
HIG-M
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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, 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.
From time to time, The Hartford may use its website to disseminate material company information. Financial and other important information regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at http://ir.thehartford.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Email Alerts” section at http://ir.thehartford.com.
*The Hartford will donate up to $100,000 to U.S. Paralympics as part of this campaign.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140305005330/en/
CONTACT: The Hartford
Kelly J. Carter, 860-547-2122
kelly.carter@thehartford.com
or
Michelle Loxton, 860-547-7413
Michelle.loxton@thehartford.com
KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CONNECTICUT
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EXTREME SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT TV AND RADIO SKIING/SNOWBOARDING PHILANTHROPY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE INSURANCE OTHER PHILANTHROPY SPORTS
SOURCE: The Hartford
Copyright Business Wire 2014
PUB: 03/05/2014 09:06 AM/DISC: 03/05/2014 09:06 AM
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