Turning a Paralympic Sponsorship Into a Global Brand Story
Greater Fort Lauderdale has long championed the message that everyone is welcome. In 2024, Visit Lauderdale brought that promise to a global stage through its Olympic and Paralympic sponsorship.
The campaign centered on Abbas Karimi, a Fort Lauderdale-based Paralympic swimmer, Afghan refugee and elite international athlete whose story reflected the destination’s values of accessibility, inclusion, resilience and possibility.
The Challenge
Visit Lauderdale wanted to elevate Greater Fort Lauderdale as an inclusive, world-class destination while maximizing the impact of its Olympic and Paralympic sponsorship.
The goal was to build awareness, reinforce the destination’s accessibility commitment and deliver measurable results through a story people would remember.
The Strategy
Karimi became the emotional heart of the campaign.
As a Paralympian, refugee and Fort Lauderdale local, he gave the destination an authentic connection to a powerful global moment. The strategy positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale not just as his training base, but as a place that supported his journey.
Creative and Campaign Execution
A custom commercial brought Karimi’s life, training and connection to Greater Fort Lauderdale to the screen with a cinematic, human and inspiring tone.
The spot anchored a cross-platform campaign spanning paid social, organic ambassador content, television, connected TV, event signage and public relations. Social content introduced Karimi’s story, behind-the-scenes moments and favorite local places, while Olympic and Paralympic placements extended the message nationally.
At the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials, campaign branding added visibility across live, televised and digital audiences. Public relations efforts connected Karimi’s story to Visit Lauderdale’s broader accessibility initiatives, including its partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Results
The campaign gave Visit Lauderdale a meaningful presence on the global stage while reinforcing its brand promise in an authentic and emotional way.
15.2 million impressions delivered
Nearly double the estimated goal of 7.8 million.
95% overdelivery
The campaign significantly exceeded projected media performance.
$410,000 in advertising value
Earned media and media equivalency extended the value of the investment.
70% return on investment
The campaign delivered measurable ROI while strengthening Visit Lauderdale’s association with accessibility, inclusion, and global sporting excellence.