The Visa Paralympic World Cup runs from May 12-15 and will feature four sports disciplines; track and field athletics, wheelchair basketball, cycling (track) and swimming. Organisers hope that the event will help to raise awareness of elite sport for athletes with a disability and provide an annual competitive platform for athletes to complement the summer Paralympic Games, which is held every four years.
Colin Grannell, Managing Director Visa UK said: “Visa is absolutely delighted to be associated with such an exciting sporting event and one that enables us to further extend our support of the Paralympic Movement. Visa is already a leading sponsor of the British Paralympic Association and the only global sponsor of the Paralympic Games. The Visa Paralympic World Cup provides a great opportunity to further raise the profile of these outstanding athletes.”
He continued: “Visa has long recognised that there is no differentiation between the commitment, dedication, ability and inspiration needed to become a top class Paralympian as compared to an Olympian. Indeed, it is an important facet of Visa Europe’s “Team Visa” athlete sponsorship programme that is open to both Paralympic and Olympic athletes alike.”
International Paralympic Committee President, Phil Craven said: "I'm delighted that Visa has decided to sponsor the Paralympic World Cup and continue its strong links with sport for elite athletes with a disability, following a successful association with the Paralympic Games and IPC. The three year deal can only add to the success and development of an event that is sure to be another highlight on the sporting calendar for athletes around the globe."
The Visa Paralympic World Cup is also supported by UK Sport (through National Lottery funding), Manchester City Council and the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), is an IPC sanctioned competition and is hosted by the British Paralympic Association.
