P&G Ireland announced its partnership with Paralympics Ireland and Olympic Council of Ireland at yesterday’s launch of “Team P&G Ireland”.
“Team P&G Ireland”
Irish Paralympic track star Michael McKillop and his mum Catherine, joined boxer Katie Taylor, her mum Bridget and Sonia O’Sullivan to publicise the launch of the “Nearest & Dearest” programme. This will support family and friends of all 2012 Irish Paralympic and Olympic team athletes.
“Nearest and Dearest”
P&G’s provision of free tickets* means that the mother of each Irish athlete will get to see his or her first appearance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
For Performance Director, Nancy Chillingworth, this is a huge help: “Concerns about family and friends can be a huge stressor for athletes at Games time. Families are there on holiday but athletes have a job to do and it is essential that their focus is solely on performance. Having P&G supporting the ‘Nearest & Dearest’ programme will take the pressure off the athletes, allowing them to concentrate on the Games and providing a framework for the family to support their athlete in the most positive way.”
Michael McKillop added: “As much as I loved the support of everyone around me, sometimes all I wanted was to focus on was my sport! Having a way to educate families on the best way to keep in touch and offer their support is a positive step.”
Check out our Facebook page to see more photos of yesterday’s event.
(* Note - The number of tickets allocated to each athlete is subject to LOCOG availability and is to be confirmed.)
Paralympics Ireland, in association with partner Allianz, is setting up an exclusive club for athletes who have competed for Ireland at a Paralympic Games. Our aim is to bring current and former Paralympians together in the build up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
