THE MOTHER of every Irish athlete competing in the Olympic and Paralympic games will get to see their first appearance thanks to leading product manufacturer P&G.
The Irish arm of the worldwide consumer giant, which lines our supermarket shelves with everyday items including Persil, Pringles and Pampers, has offered to support Irish athletes and their families in getting to the London 2012 Games.
Their ‘nearest and dearest’ programme will offer advice to families on how to support their loved ones as they prepare to take part in the competition.
It will also see free tickets handed out to the athletes’ mothers, so they can catch their first appearance at the Games.
Ireland’s Olympic Chef De Mission and former champion Sonia O’Sullivan welcomed the news, claiming: “This is a great idea and will really benefit the athletes. I know from my personal experiences at The Olympics, my family were asking how they could help and support me. I know it was always well intentioned, but because of my training, I couldn’t always give them enough time to explain or help. This will provide a real support for both the families and the athletes.”
Bridget Taylor, mum of P&G ambassador Katie Taylor, will be attending the games for the first time this year.
She added: “Having Katie compete all around the world, it’s difficult to find the balance between wanting to chat all the time and catch up with her and just leaving her to it; I’m sure other families will have experienced the same thing.
“The nearest & dearest programme will therefore give us all advice and help us support our athletes in the best possible way. The fantastic offer of tickets will also, I’m sure, be warmly received by all families.”
Nathan Homer, Sports Marketing & Olympics Project Director of P&G UK & Ireland said: “We have made it our business to help mums and their families in small but meaningful ways through our brands and we’re delighted to support Team Ireland and Paralympics Ireland athletes through their families. The programme acknowledges the role of the mum and family and looks to offer them support of their own with a guarantee of seeing their son or daughter compete.”
