David Farnor | On 08, Jul 2016

Channel 4 has commissioned a new series of Paralympian shorts in the run-up to Rio.

Dare to Believe, in partnership with Allianz Insurance, tells the story of seven Paralympians and the life-changing moments that led to them becoming world class athletes.

Produced by Boomerang, the eight-part series was created as part of Allianz’s Paralympic Partnership with Channel 4. The episodes will air on Channel 4 at 7:55pm from Monday 11th July, making them the broadcaster’s first ad-funded original shorts to receive a linear transmission on Channel 4, as well as being available to watch on All 4.

Each episode is a portrait of a British Paralympian heading to Brazil for the games this summer, focusing on their training regimes and the moments that changed their lives. The subjects include powerlifter Ali Jawad, wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft MBE, equestrian rider Natasha Baker MBE, wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley MBE, footballer Jack Rutter, paratriathlete Lauren Steadman and runner Georgie Hermitage.

Dare to Believe was commissioned by Andy Stevenson, Commissioning Executive, Sport and Lara Akeju, Project Lead, Paralympics at Channel 4.

Rob Ramsey, Partnership Leader at Channel 4, says: “In the run up to Rio we are thrilled to launch Dare to Believe as part of our partnership with Allianz. The series brings the remarkable stories of seven Paralympians to All 4 and serves as a brilliant addition to the raft of Paralympic programming we have lined up this year.”

David Keel, Head of Communications at Allianz Insurance, adds: “We believe that these inspirational films will give viewers a fascinating insight into the lives of these top para athletes and the moment when they ‘Dared to Believe’. With the Paralympics fast-approaching we are tremendously excited about this campaign and, of course, the Games themselves”

Dan Wood, Head of Partnerships at MediaCom UK, commented: “The Shorts series highlights how this partnership allows Allianz to deepen their relationship with Channel 4 and the 2016 Paralympics beyond the broadcast sponsorship. The ‘Dare to Believe’ content also gives Allianz a rich suite of brand assets to distribute across broadcast, digital and social channels.:

Allianz Insurance was announced as the official core sponsor of the Paralympics in February. Their sponsorship was brokered by Michelle Halpin and Andy Moore, Group Partnership Managers at Channel 4 and Dan Wood, Head of Partnerships and Andrew Gifford, Sponsorship Manager at MediaCom.

Photo: Channel 4 / Tom Barnes

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