Ingosstrakh, a Russian insurance company, and Megafon, a leading Russian mobile phone company who are a Tier One Sochi 2014 sponsor, have signed a deal with the Russian Paralympic Committee which will see them aim to develop the country's national team as well as promote the sport.

As part of the agreement, there will be sponsorship of a programme with the Federation of Physical Culture & Sports.

The deals will provide financial and hands on support for a number of sports events held by the Federation, and training for students in higher education and schoolchildren with disabilities.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sochi 2014 President and chief executive said: "Ingosstrakh and Megafon's support for Russia's national Paralympic team and for Russia's first ever ice sledge hockey team is another significant milestone in a journey which is seeing Sochi 2014 helping to change the attitudes of our society towards people living with a disability.

"It sits alongside the special programme we have launched for raising awareness around the Paralympic Games and Paralympic values.

"By bringing about a transformation in this area which will benefit generations to come, Sochi 2014 will leave an invaluable legacy."

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