The company's "nearest and dearest" programme, launched last year, is intended to support family and friends in order to take pressure off athletes before and during the Games.

P&G will be helping them to find their way to Games venues to watch their loved ones compete at London 2012 as well as giving advice in the build-up regarding how to support them during training, including boxer Katie Taylor (pictured above with P&G UK & Ireland Olympics project director, Nathan Homer), the three-time women's 60kg world champion. 

The company is also ensuring that the mother of every athlete gets to see their son or daughter competing next summer with free tickets to their first appearance at the Games.

Patrick Hickey, President of the OCI, said: "Our focus for next year is to make certain every member of Team Ireland has the resources and support they need to reach their full potential at London 2012.

"We've looked at all aspects that can impact that, including the role of the 'nearest and dearest.

"All our research and discussions with athletes shows that strong, focused support, not just at the events but all the way through the build-up to next summer will help our athletes perform at an even higher standard."

The Paralympics Ireland performance director, Nancy Chillingworth, added: "One of the biggest areas of concerns for athletes at Games time is around family and friends.

"When do I get to see them? How can I sort tickets for them?

"We want athletes to be focused on their performance rather than distracted by worrying about their family.

"Having P&G supporting the 'nearest and dearest' programme will take the pressure off the athletes, allowing them to concentrate on the Games."


Sydney 2000 Olympic silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan (pictured above far right), the Chef de Mission of the Ireland Olympic team at London 2012, claimed that it was "a great idea and will really benefit athletes."

"I know from personal experiences at Olympics my family were asking how they could help and support me," she added.

"I know it was always well intentioned, but because of my training I couldn't always give them enough time to explain or help."

Taylor, Ireland's biggest hope of a gold medal at London, was at the launch with her mother, Bridget.

"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," said Bridget Taylor.

"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."

Homer added: "We have made it our business to help mums and their families in small but meaningful ways through our brands.

"We're delighted to support Team Ireland and Paralympics Ireland athletes through their families."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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