TORINO 2006 PARALYMPICS WINTER GAMES March 10-19

[BOREALIS]

U.S. Paralympics and The Hartford Join Forces to Provide
2006 Paralympic Games Coverage in USA Today

// U.S. Paralympics // March 9, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), the founding sponsor of the U.S. Paralympics, today announced it will bring in-depth coverage of the 2006 Paralympic Games through a special section in USA Today.
On the days of March 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 20, Americans can check the sports section of USA Today to catch up on competition results and stories about Team USA or by visiting The Hartford’s website devoted to the U.S. Paralympics at groupbenefits.thehartford.com/usp/. The website will be updated with scores and highlights, every weekday morning starting March 10.

From March 10-19, more than 450 athletes with physical disabilities from 41 countries will compete in the Winter Paralympic Games will take place in Torino, Italy. Fifty-five Americans will be among the elite athletes competing in four sports – alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, sled hockey and wheelchair curling.

“The USA Today is the No. 1 U.S. newspaper, reaching more than seven million households nationwide daily,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Staff. “Coverage of this magnitude is unparalleled in the history of the Paralympic Games in the U.S.”

“We encourage all Americans to support the U.S. Paralympic Team as they represent the U.S. on the world stage in Torino and appreciate the exceptional talent and ability of these world-class athletes,” said Dick Mucci, executive vice president and director of The Hartford’s Group Benefits Division. “The Hartford proudly supports the men and women of the U.S. Paralympics because they demonstrate our belief that by focusing on abilities – not perceived physical limitations – individuals can achieve success in sports, the workplace and all aspects of life.”

U.S. Paralympics and The Hartford, a leading U.S. group disability insurer, forged their groundbreaking founding partnership in 2003. Last year, The Hartford renewed their commitment through the 2008 Paralympic Summer Games by becoming the first company to sign a seven-figure, multi-year agreement with U.S. Paralympics, resulting in the most significant corporate commitment to the Paralympic movement in U.S. history. Throughout the year, The Hartford works with U.S. Paralympics and individual Paralympians to positively change attitudes and perceptions of disability, especially within the business community.

Visit http://www.paralympicgames.torino2006.org/ for a schedule of Games.

About The Hartford

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2005 revenues of $27.1 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is http://www.thehartford.com/.


http://www.usolympicteam.com/paralympics/news_45004.htm