Allianz, official insurer of the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, promotes unity, safety and excellence

27 January 2026

5' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Safety for Sport
Excellence in Sport and in Life
Union and Inclusion: 20 Years of Allianz Paralympic Partnership
The global 'Step Into Life' campaign
Huge impact across Italy

5' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

In an increasingly divided world, Allianz, Official Insurer of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is helping to unite people in peaceful competition at one of the world's biggest sporting events. Athletes from all countries benefit from Allianz's support to help them excel in competition and prepare for their future after the Games. The launch of the Allianz Safety Sled is the first step by Allianz to actively improve safety in the sport.

200 torchbearers from the Allianz community (including employees, customers and agents) will participate in the Journey of the Paralympic Flame as a symbol of unity, carrying the Flame all the way to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on 6 March 2026. Celebrating 20 years of partnership with the Paralympic Movement, Allianz underlines its continued support to increase inclusion through sport.

"Allianz is proud to partner once again with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements to bring the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games to life. Italy is one of our key markets globally and I would like to thank our colleagues at Allianz who have supported the host country in welcoming the world in a spirit of togetherness and conviviality.

Whether supporting athletes in their preparation for competitions and life, or bringing peace of mind to organisers and spectators, Allianz's support for the Games is designed to amplify the Olympic spirit beyond sporting boundaries, so as to inspire people around the world," said Oliver Bäte, CEO of Allianz SE.

Safety for Sport

Allianz's involvement began years before the event, working with the National Organising Committee to create bespoke insurance solutions that address the unique challenges of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at diverse and geographically dispersed venues in Milan, the Dolomites and the Italian Alps. This includes protection against risks in the broader sports ecosystem related to property, liability, cyber threats and travel disruptions, all while coordinating efforts with the International Olympic Committee and the broader insurance market. Allianz Partners provides ticket cancellation insurance for fans and medical care cover for members of the Olympic family on the field.

As an insurer and risk manager, Allianz is also instrumental in improving safety, both in the sports business ecosystem and in sports arenas, on the slopes and on the slopes. Since January 2025, it has partnered with the German Bobsleigh and Luge Association to raise safety standards in bobsleighing. At the heart of the initiative is the Allianz Safety Sled, a forerunner bobsleigh already used during the 2025 World Championships. On race days, including future races in Milan Cortina 2026, the Allianz Safety Sled will analyse ice and track conditions and share information with the riders to help them prepare optimally before their descent.

Excellence in Sport and in Life

Athlete support remains at the heart of Allianz's partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Team Allianz now proudly includes 120 athletes and para-athletes from 33 countries. Of these, 38 compete in winter disciplines and 28 of them are expected to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina. The main initiatives are the Buddy Program and MoveNow, which offer mentoring, financial education and career coaching programmes, helping athletes navigate the complexities of sport and life.

Union and Inclusion: 20 Years of Allianz Paralympic Partnership

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Allianz and the Paralympic Movement, highlighted through the ongoing collaboration for the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Flame Journey. In 2006, Allianz established the first contact with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the German National Paralympic Committee (DBS). This initial commitment led to a strategic relationship, evolving from initial support to becoming the IPC's first International Partner in 2010 and then the World Olympic and Paralympic Partner in 2021.

Over the two decades, Allianz's involvement has been instrumental in raising the visibility and professionalism of Paralympic sports, expanding inclusion and uniting athletes, families, fans and communities in a shared celebration of human potential. Looking ahead, Allianz will continue to expand access to Paralympic sports in underrepresented areas, integrating new generations through the belief that sport belongs to everyone.

The global 'Step Into Life' campaign

The Allianz communication campaign for Milan Cortina 2026, entitled "Step Into Life," ("Together with Allianz, in life and in sport") focuses on the themes of physical preparation and mental confidence as pillars of extraordinary performance. This global campaign captures the public's attention through engaging television commercials and digital tools. Connecting millions of people in more than 40 countries and attracting more than 500,000 unique visitors to the site, the campaign reinforces Allianz's ambition to unite people through sport and everyday moments.

"Our campaign highlights a universal moment: the moment right before facing something big. Whether it's an athlete at the starting gate or any person facing a decisive challenge, it captures the instant when concentration intensifies and readiness and resilience determine performance. Allianz is promoting that crucial moment, supporting athletes and individuals as they prepare to take that step with greater confidence," said Eike Bürgel, Head of Allianz Olympic and Paralympic Partnership.

Huge impact throughout Italy

In Italy, the host country of Milan Cortina 2026, Allianz supports both Team Italy and the Paralympic athletes, promoting a wide range of initiatives involving customers, agents and employees. These efforts aim to connect local communities through shared pride and collective participation ahead of the Games. The communication campaign is multi-channel and is articulated on TV, outdoor, print and digital, plus a rich programme of events and partnerships in the sports ecosystem.

'We have supported CONI from the very beginning. The partnership with Giovanni Malagò has been perfect and today I thank him publicly for his commitment and self-sacrifice. These Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games fill us with joy," commented Giacomo Campora, CEO of Allianz Italia.

One of the highlights is 'Sognando Milano Cortina 2026 - Sulle Spalle dei Giganti' (Dreaming of Milan Cortina 2026 - On the Shoulders of the Giants), the six-episode TV docuseries featuring six Allianz Italia Ambassador athletes together with six Italian sports legends. Allianz Italia is also the Presenting Partner of the Journey of the Paralympic Flame that will cross 13 cities. Further activations include the national television campaign that started in the autumn and will continue until the Winter Games, and a press and social campaign celebrating day by day the medal victories of Italian Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Allianz Italia works closely with CONI, CIP, Fiamme Oro and various national sports federations.

The Allianz Tower in Milan will host the Organising Committee of Milan Cortina 2026 from 2020. And during the Paralympic Winter Games, the 47th floor will become the Italian Paralympic House, the official Paralympic venue in Milan. To reach the widest possible audience, Allianz Italia has launched a competition for free tickets, an extensive social media communication plan, TV, radio and outdoor advertising, and events and initiatives for the public and the media. All these activities, collectively, turn the Games into a moment of national unity, involving people far beyond the competition venues.

Allianz is also committed to building a legacy beyond 2026 through the Allianz UMANA MENTE Foundation, which supports young people with disabilities by promoting access to sport, assisting families and helping to raise the champions of the future.

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