By David Gold

Paula_Radcliffe_with_Michael_Phelps_mum_at_PG_July_2010April 30 - P&G UK and Ireland is to give 90 per cent of its ticket allocation for the London 2012 Olympics to mums and families after research revealed that 70 per cent of mums in the UK did not apply to see the event in the public ballot.


The main reasons given by mums for not applying were that they did not have time or that they did not believe they had a chance of winning tickets in the ballot.

Research by P&G, who signed-up as a multi-million dollar worldwide Olympic sponsor last July at a special ceremony attended by Britain's world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe and Michael Phelps' mother Debbie (pictured together), showed that 47 per cent believed a large proportion of tickets would not be going to the public, and this prompted P&G to make the announcement that it would give away most of its allocation to mums and families.

P&G has joined forces with former Olympic silver medallist Sharron Davies to highlight the possibility to still get involved and get hands on tickets.

"As both a former Olympian and more importantly, a mother, I'm thrilled Great Britain will be hosting such a monumental event and feel passionately that people should try and be a part of it," said Davies.

"Whilst this research suggests that some mums may feel they are unlikely to get tickets following the close of the official ballot, the reality is that there will be plenty of opportunities and I'm so glad to hear that P&G is encouraging families to get involved in the Games.

"And it's brilliant that they are giving such a massive proportion of their tickets to the public."

Of 15 per cent of those interviewed, some 1,005 mums with children under 16, thought the Games were aimed at the business community, with just 13 per cent believing it is for families.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games really should be thought of as a family event, it's a great chance to inspire and there's something for everyone," said Davies.

"With the Paralympic ballot opening later in the year and sponsors such as P&G pledging the majority of their tickets to families I'd encourage mums to look out for the many ways to get involved in seeing this once-in-a-lifetime event."

To find out how P&G are giving tickets to mums and families, click here

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