The National Paralympic Committee of Slovenia has announced a new partnership with Lidl Slovenia, part of one of the biggest European retail chains ©Lidl

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Slovenia has announced a new partnership with Lidl Slovenia, part of one of the biggest supermarket chains in Europe.

It is claimed Lidl Slovenia chose the NPC of Slovenia as a partner due to the "great inspiration that Slovenian Paralympians are to the society around them, combined with outstanding sport results".

Damijan Lazar, President of the NPC of Slovenia, stated that athletes with disabilities are proud to present the vision of their sponsors and together with them, they look forward to numerous great sport successes.

"The first big opportunity to athletes with disabilities to present their excellent sport successes will be the Paralympic Games in Rio," he said at a Paralympic media brunch.

Gregor Kosi, chief executive of Lidl Slovenia, added: "As part of the sustainable concept of creating a better world for three years, we conducted numerous activities in the field of social responsibility and, together with a number of organisations, we are building a foundation for a better and brighter tomorrow.”

"Connection with an organisation such as the NPC of Slovenia was an idea that was immediately germinated between us.

"Mainly due to exceptional and inspirational individuals who, despite the apparent obstacles, push the boundaries of sport.

"This is the inspiration by which they can easily be identified with and we believe that this new partnership can contribute to their new, amazing achievements."

Swimmer Darko Duric was among the quartet of Slovenian Para-athletes present at the Paralympic media brunch
Swimmer Darko Duric was among the quartet of Slovenian athletes present at the Paralympic media brunch ©Getty Images

Also in attendance at the launch were a quartet of Slovenian Paralympians; sitting volleyball player Lena Gaberscek, swimmer Darko Duric, triathlete Alen Kobilica and hand cyclist Primoz Jeralic.

"We must be aware that each of us disabled athletes has been through a difficult period, a period of accepting yourself in a different light," said Jeralic.

"This is what makes us special, this is what gives inspiration.

"We showed everybody what can be done with the power of will, stubbornness, dedication, perseverance and support, despite disability."

Slovenia won one medal at London 2012, courtesy of shooter Franček Gorazd Tirsek’s silver in the men’s mixed 10 metre air rifle standing SH2

Four years earlier in Beijing, the country’s three-medal haul was made up of a silver for Joze Flere in the men's discus throw F32/51 and bronzes for table tennis player Mateja Pintar in the women’s individual class three and shooter Franc Pinter in the men's R1-10m air rifle standing SH1.