Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has renewed its partnership with the British Paralympic Association ©Sainsbury's

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has renewed its partnership with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) for the next four years.

It means that the tie-up will now include both the Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Sainsbury's was the first Paralympic-only sponsor of London 2012, and joined forces with the BPA to support the British team at Sochi 2014.

They continued their support at Rio 2016 in September where Britain won 147 medals to finish second in the standings behind China.

"Sainsbury's is very much at the heart of the Paralympic family here in the UK, their engagement has shown a true understanding of the power of Paralympic sport and they have encouraged their customers and colleagues to really get behind ParalympicsGB," said BPA chief executive Tim Hollingsworth.

"We know that the inspirational performances of our athletes on the field of play can help to change perceptions and help to create a better world for disabled people. 

Sainsbury's will support British athletes through to Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images
Sainsbury's will support British athletes through to Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

"Sainsbury's has a very clear understanding of our vision and have engaged superbly around programmes to impact on the lives of young people in particular. 

"I am delighted to see that this successful partnership will continue through to Tokyo 2020."

Mike Coupe, the chief executive of Sainsbury's Group, said that both colleagues and customers got behind their support of Paralympians.

"Seeing the team go from strength to strength, and knowing that we're playing a small part in this success, is hugely inspiring for us all," he said.

"Inclusivity, for both our colleagues and our customers, is at the heart of Sainsbury’s values, which is why we are so keen to continue to support ParalympicsGB and help change perceptions of what it means to have a disability. 

"We look forward to seeing what the team can achieve at Tokyo 2020."