The Hartford, a leading disability insurer and advocate for the adaptive sports movement for more than 30 years, teamed up with the Los Angeles Rams as the proud partner of the LA Rams Wheelchair Football Team. The collaboration highlights the work between Angel City Sports, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit specializing in adaptive sports programming, and the Los Angeles Rams in alliance of the Wheelchair Football Team. Together, The Hartford, the Rams, and Angel City Sports are advancing adaptive sports in support of Move United's Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) and enhancing accessibility for athletes.
To kick off the partnership, The Hartford and Angel City Sports joined Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams and punter Ethan Evans at the Rams 2024 Training Camp, presented by Unify, at Loyola Marymount University on July 30 to present the LA Rams Wheelchair Football Team with customized jerseys and helmets for their upcoming season and custom-fit wheelchairs for their 2025 season. On behalf of The Hartford, the LA Rams Wheelchair Football Team also had a special opportunity to watch the Rams practice on-site of Training Camp. Photos and video from the event can be accessed here (credit Los Angeles Rams).
"We are on a mission to increase participation in adaptive sports by making competitions, local events and equipment more accessible to youth and adult athletes," said The Hartford's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Claire Burns. "It is an honor to partner with the legendary Los Angeles Rams and expand our work with Angel City Sports and Move United to help raise awareness about equity in sports and elevate the experience for their wheelchair football team."
The Hartford and the Rams have a shared history of supporting adaptive sports and our nation's heroes, the LA Rams Wheelchair football team provides the opportunity to take the support to the next level.
"We're excited to partner with The Hartford to build on our commitment to the Los Angeles Rams Wheelchair Football Team," said Los Angeles Rams Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement Molly Higgins. "Through The Hartford's leadership and advocacy for disabilities and the adaptive sports movement, we have an opportunity not only to support the USAWFL and its incredible athletes but also to further our goal of making sports accessible for all."
In 2021, the Rams announced their support of Move United's Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) and the Angel City Sports Wheelchair Football Team by partnering with the LA-based team to provide official LA Rams helmet decals and jerseys. The team also was renamed the LA Rams Wheelchair Football Team.
In 2019, Move United, with funding from an NFL Salute to Service and Bob Woodruff Foundation grant, established the USA Wheelchair Football League for athletes with disabilities, including veterans. The league, modeled after NFL play, features adaptations to maintain a fast-paced and exciting game for players and spectators.
