• Achieve Without Limits campaign honors and supports athletes; features ads, social media and events
• Company to donate $1 for every Hartford Facebook page 'Like' to U.S. Paralympics*

HARTFORD, CT - Building on its 16-year commitment to U.S. Paralympic athletes, today The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) launches Achieve Without Limits, a multi-year campaign that champions these athletes and their dedication to achieve. The campaign kickoff includes new television spots, digital advertising and a social media-driven donation, with ongoing community events and a consumer contest launching later this year.

"We are proud to be a founding partner of U.S. Paralympics," said Karen Tripp, executive vice president, marketing and communications. "The Paralympians embody the energy, confidence, and optimism at the very heart of achievement. At The Hartford, we recognize our customers' remarkable drive to achieve and focus our passion on serving them as they reach their goals. Achieve Without Limits celebrates the human spirit as these athletes continue the journey toward the London 2012 Paralympic Games."

New Television Ads

Purple Heart recipient and U.S. Paralympian Melissa Stockwell (swimming) recalls the freedom she felt the first time she returned to the pool after losing her leg in combat. U.S. Paralympics National Team cyclist Sam Kavanagh explains how the loss of his leg in an avalanche could have been his reason to quit, but became his reason to excel. These moments, shared through new television ads and on Facebook by The Hartford, define when Stockwell and Kavanagh overcame adversity to achieve success.

Janusz Kaminski, a two-time Academy Award® winner for his cinematography on "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List," directed the commercials with Stockwell, a U.S. Army veteran who competed in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, and Kavanagh, a national cycling champion. The commercials will run during the NCAA® March Madness tournament from March 13 to April 4 on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. The Hartford is an Official Corporate Partner of the NCAA. ®

This campaign also marks the debut of The Hartford's newly enhanced Facebook page and a new Twitter account called @HartfordAchieve showcasing Paralympic athletes. The Hartford pledges to donate $1 to U.S. Paralympics for every "Like" or "Share" that the Facebook page receives.*

Melissa's Story

On April 13, 2004, Stockwell was a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant on a routine convoy in Baghdad when the blast of a roadside bomb blew off her left leg. The above-the-knee amputee was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for her service. The Paralympic swimming record-holder now competes in triathlons.

"This campaign is a big step for the Paralympic movement," said Stockwell, 31, of Chicago. "It's going to open people's eyes about athletes with disabilities. With this campaign, Americans have the opportunity to help injured veterans, like me, who want to continue to serve their country on the world's highest athletic stage."

Sam's Story

Kavanagh and four friends were trapped by an avalanche while skiing in Montana's backcountry five years ago. He was trapped on the mountain for two days and had his left leg amputated below the knee on Jan. 13, 2005. Two weeks after the amputation, his wife Sara helped him back onto his bike. The following year he was participating in Paralympic cycling competitions.

"My greatest opportunity in life is the fact that my experiences and my positive attitude can inspire others," said Kavanagh, 31, of Bozeman, Montana. "The life that I'm living is a life without limitations. And that's a life meant for everyone."

The Hartford's Achieve Without Limits campaign will continue with community events held across the U.S. leading up to and through the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The Hartford has sponsored U.S. Paralympic athletes for more than 16 years and became the Official Disability Insurance Sponsor of U.S. Paralympics in 2003. For more information on upcoming events check http://www.facebook.com/TheHartford.

Media Contact(s):

Michelle Loxton Kelly J. Carter
860-547-7413 860-843-9420
[email protected] [email protected]

About U.S. Paralympics

U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of people with a physical disability. Visit our website at www.USParalympics.org.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

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*The Hartford will donate up to $500,000 to support U.S. Paralympics as part of the Achieve Without Limits program.
Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.