The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has partnered with Allianz to launch its first ever podcast series to raise awareness of the journeys many have endured to become a Paralympian.
The podcast, titled A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, has launched in celebration of the one year countdown for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which has been postponed until 2021.
According to the IPC, its first ever podcast series will feature a variety of life lessons from athletes such as two-time Paralympic 100m champion Jonnie Peacock and eight-time Paralympic wheelchair racing champion Tatyana McFadden, across a 20 episode run.
Craig Spence, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at the IPC, said: “We wanted to make a podcast that moves beyond sport and can offer self-improvement and confidence building. As well as their sporting achievements, Paralympic athletes have outstanding stories of resilience, tackling difficult situations and positivity.
“We also believe their stories are stronger and more meaningful than ever due to the heightened anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic. Without doubt they will shine a light on the issues facing persons with disabilities and help transform the narrative around disability.”
As a result of its partnership with Allianz, A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, which will highlight a new Paralympian every podcast, will also feature questions directly from the company’s employees scattered through several episodes.
The IPC hopes that the podcast provides fans with an insight into an extensive range of educational, confidence and self-improvement themes, along with sporting discussions. Moreover the initiative is part of the body’s overall strategy to maintain fan engagement which was previously gained leading up to the Games in Tokyo.
Katharina Wiehrdt, Global Olympic & Paralympic Program Manager at Allianz, commented: “As a longstanding partner, Allianz continues to support the people, values and sense of community that brings together the Paralympic Movement. Together with the International Paralympic Committee, this new podcast series is a great opportunity to share these inspirational stories with an even wider audience.”
Spence added: “The support of Allianz has been essential in developing A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. They have been a fantastic supporter of Paralympic sport and our Chasing Greatness campaign with them over the last year, where we delved into the lives of Paralympians, was the catalyst for the podcast. It was clear there were rich issues-filled themes to explore with Para athletes. We are excited about the prospect of the Allianz employees asking questions of our athletes and learning more about the Paralympic Movement.”
