Coop extends Swiss Paralympic partnership

Coop, one of Switzerland’s largest retail and wholesale organisations, has extended its partnership agreement with Swiss Paralympic until 2019.

The partnership, which has been in place since 2002, supports Swiss Para athletes in successfully taking part in the Paralympic Games, and world and European championships.

At the 2016 Summer Paralympics, the Swiss team took home five medals, including two golds (men’s 800m T54 and T54 marathon) and two silvers (1,500m and 5,000m T53/54) by Marcel Hug in athletics.

The fifth medal came in the men’s cycling road race H2 where Tobias Fankhauser took home bronze. The team also took part in archery, equestrian and shooting events.

Coop is also looking to use the momentum of the Paralympics to further promote Para sport in the country.

“As a federation, such a longstanding loyalty of a partner like Coop is extremely important,” said Veronika Roos, secretary general of Swiss Paralympic.

“We can guarantee our athletes a continuous and long-term support throughout their sporting career. Furthermore, Coop has the ability to raise the awareness of Para sport and our values in the public through their communication channels.”

Joos Sutter, head of company management of Coop, added: “We are a convinced partner of Swiss Paralympic. The top performances that Para athletes achieve continue to impress me every time.”