MS Amlin has been announced as a major sponsor of the ITU World Triathlon Bermuda.

The reinsurance firm said the move was a natural step as parent company MS&AD is based in Tokyo, where the Olympics will be held in 2020.

During the Bermuda event in April, athletes will win points to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

Rob Wyatt, chief executive of MS Amlin AG Bermuda, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as the title sponsor for the first ITU World Triathlon being held here in Bermuda.

“As an active office keen on sport we are delighted to be lending our support to such a fantastic event — particularly one that resonates with Bermudians thanks to the success of triathletes such as Flora Duffy.

“We hope the event again showcases Bermuda as a wonderful venue for top-level sporting activities, inspiring those of all ages to swim, bike and run.”

Phil Schmidt, local organising committee chairman of World Triathlon Bermuda, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with MS Amlin. MS Amlin stands for quality and fairness in the reinsurance industry, which are key values for any athlete.”

Pat Phillip-Fairn, of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said: “The MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda will become a pinnacle event in the triathlon calendar. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of MS Amlin, and we thank them for their partnership, demonstrating their wider, ongoing support for Bermuda.”

The event will be launched in Hamilton on April 28.

The day will comprise the Elite race and the Age Group amateur race, which will attract hundreds of runners, including locals trying their first triathlon.

A team of employees from MS Amlin will take part in the amateur Age Group triathlon race, while other staff will volunteer at the event.

Front Street will be the focus for all the races and MS Amlin’s Bermuda offices, also on Front Street, will also house the event office.

The organisers said athletes in other disciplines were encouraged to register and train for the event, which does not require a qualifying time.