The Paralympic flame has begun its 2,000 km journey across Italy, with insurance giant Allianz leading the activation as the “Presenting Partner.” Lit on February 24 in Stoke Mandeville, UK—the birthplace of the Paralympic movement—the flame will be carried by 501 torchbearers, with 200 of them personally selected by Allianz.
A 20-Year Commitment to Inclusion
Allianz, a partner of the Paralympic movement for two decades, is using the 11-day relay as its primary marketing lever for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The brand’s presence will be highly visible through:
- Custom Allianz Trucks: Mobile units equipped with LED screens will animate host cities and “Flame Festivals.”
- Athlete Support: Using the relay as a platform to engage schools and local associations regarding inclusion.
- Exclusive Visibility: Unlike the Olympics, where advertising is restricted, Allianz will maintain brand visibility across official Paralympic sites from March 6 to 15.
The “Casa Paralimpica Italiana”
The partnership extends beyond the relay. Since 2020, Allianz has hosted the Games’ organizing committee in its iconic Milan tower. During the event, the 47th floor will be transformed into the Casa Paralimpica Italiana, serving as the official hospitality hub to connect the brand with the local sports ecosystem.
The relay will culminate on March 3 in Cortina, where the four distinct paths of the flame will converge before the Opening Ceremony.