Traditionally, Bayer AG has always been closely connected to disabled sports. Bayer has been sponsoring the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DBS) since 2000. Presently, the sponsorship of disabled sports is based on three pillars:
The TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen Disabled Sports Department was founded back in 1950. With over 300 members, it is not only one of the largest but also one of the most successful disabled sports clubs in Germany. The club offers its members ideal conditions for practicing both elite and recreational sports. Progressive thinking has always been a key part of the club's philosophy. Its integrative training groups (athletes with and without disabilities train together) are just one example. Disabled athletes benefit from having training partners from various departments and highly qualified instructors and assistants who provide support in numerous team and individual sports. This approach has proved highly effective, with Bayer athletes winning 66 medals at the Paralympics and enjoying great success at World and European Championships. As one of the leading Paralympic training centers for athletes, sitting volleyball players and swimmers, Leverkusen is the place to be for elite disabled sports(wo)men in Germany.
Other examples of Bayer's long-term commitment to disabled sports include its sponsorship of the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DBS) and its support for the Herbert Grünewald Foundation for the Promotion of Sports for the Disabled. Bayer decided to become an official sponsor of the DBS back in 2000 and, in the 12 years since then, has been a stalwart supporter of top-level disabled sport. The Herbert Grünewald Foundation for encouraging sports among the disabled has been a cornerstone for disabled sports since being founded in 1981 and is further evidence of Bayer's commitment to sports for the disabled
