Turning a Paralympic Sponsorship Into a Global Brand Story
Greater Fort Lauderdale has long positioned itself as a destination where everyone is welcome. In 2024, Visit Lauderdale had an opportunity to bring that message to a global stage through its alignment with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To make the sponsorship more than a media placement, Aqua Marketing and Communications built the campaign around Abbas Karimi, a Fort Lauderdale-based Paralympic swimmer, Afghan refugee, and elite international athlete whose life story reflected the destination’s values of accessibility, inclusion, resilience, and possibility.
The Challenge
Visit Lauderdale wanted to elevate Greater Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as an inclusive, world-class destination while maximizing the value of its Olympic and Paralympic sponsorship.
The campaign needed to build awareness, reinforce the destination’s commitment to accessibility, and deliver measurable return on investment.
Most importantly, it needed a story people would care about.
The Strategy
Aqua identified Karimi as the emotional center of the campaign.
As a Paralympian, he embodied strength and determination. As a refugee, his journey carried a powerful message of resilience. And as a Fort Lauderdale local, he gave the destination an authentic connection to the global moment.
The strategy positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale not simply as Karimi’s training base, but as a place that supported his journey.
Creative and Campaign Execution
Aqua developed a custom commercial centered on Karimi’s life, training, and connection to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Filmed locally, the spot was designed to feel cinematic, human, and inspiring while reinforcing Visit Lauderdale’s accessibility message.
The commercial became the creative anchor for a cross-platform campaign that included paid social, organic ambassador content, linear television, connected TV, event signage, and public relations.
Targeted Facebook and Instagram ads introduced Karimi’s story to key audiences. Organic content gave followers a behind-the-scenes look at his training, daily life, favorite local places, and preparation for Paris. Broadcast and streaming placements extended the message during Olympic and Paralympic coverage, while branding at the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials added visibility across in-person, televised, and digital audiences.
Aqua’s PR team also connected Karimi’s story to Visit Lauderdale’s broader accessibility initiatives, including the destination’s 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.
Conclusion
What began as a sponsorship became a global storytelling platform.
Through strategic creative, integrated media, public relations, and authentic ambassador content, Aqua helped Visit Lauderdale turn a Paralympic partnership into a campaign that elevated the brand, celebrated inclusion, and delivered results.
Greater Fort Lauderdale was not simply seen. It was seen through a story that mattered.