The Hartford has supported the Paralympic Movement for more than 20 years and proudly sponsors athletes with disabilities that focus on their abilities, not perceived limitations.

In 2014, for the first time ever, the Paralympic Games would air on television in the U.S. The Games were held in Sochi, Russia, immediately following the Winter Olympics. As a sponsor of the U.S. Paralympic Team, The Hartford wanted to create TV spots featuring their sponsored athlete – Evan Strong, Paralympic snowboarder – to air during the games.

Our inspiration came from The Hartford’s Ability Philosophy – focusing on peoples’ abilities, not perceived limitations – and Evan Strong’s story of loosing a leg below the knee at age 16 and his natural instinct and focus to get back to living life, enjoying the sport of skateboarding and becoming a world-class snowboarder.

The creative idea…By Definition.

In his own words, Evan defines himself by what he can do, not by what he can’t.

Strengthened by what he’s overcome, Evan sees himself as more than a disabled athlete. More than a Paralympian. More than a world-class snowboarder even. And in the end, we’re left inspired to never let circumstance or the unexpected define us.

The spot aired during the broadcast of the Paralympic Games.