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P&G UK has partnered
with the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association
(BOA & BPA) to create a programme that will support the family
and friends of all Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes. Research
shows 78% of retired Olympic and Paralympic athletes said their
‘ nearest & dearest’ made a positive impact on their
performance.
The programme starts with
a regional roadshow across the country and will bring together
the family and friends of athletes, giving them advice and help
on how they can best support their sons and daughters in the build
up to and during London 2012.
P&G will also ensure
every athlete's mum gets to see their son or daughter compete
at the greatest show on earth by providing free tickets to their
first appearance at London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Over 70% of athletes surveyed said that they had tried to obtain
tickets for family at previous Olympic Games or Paralympic Games.
Dave Reddin, Team GB, Head
of Performance Services: “Our focus for next year is to make certain
every member of Team GB has the resources and support they need
to reach their full potential on the fields of play at London
2012, so we’ve looked at all aspects that can impact that, including
the role of the ‘ nearest & dearest’. All our
research and discussions with athletes shows that strong, focussed
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.”
Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB,
Performance Director: “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 focussed on their performance rather than distracted by
worrying about their family.
Having the 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 productive way.”
Of the former athletes
surveyed, the resounding majority (86%) said the ‘ nearest
& dearest’ programme was a positive way to support the
Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes in 2012, as supported by retired
Olympic & Paralympic athletes:
Colin Jackson (110m Hurdles):
“I think 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.”
Sarah Winckless , Char
of BOA Athletes Commission, Olympic medallist (Rowing): “This
certainly would have been useful when I was competing. Even as
far away as Sydney, I know my family were all trying to get hold
of tickets to see me compete and for those who made it, it was
a really great feeling to have their support and to be performing
in front of them all.”
Lucy Shuker (wheelchair
tennis) said: “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 positive step, particularly as I’m sure
attention will be even greater at a Home Games.”
Whilst having the Games
held in London will undoubtedly offer fantastic support, it also
brings added pressure for the athletes. For many London 2012 will
be their first ever Games and for all, it will be their first
Home Games. Mum of P&G ambassador Keri-Anne Payne, Patricia
Payne said:
“Having Keri-Anne 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.”
For P&G, the ‘ nearest
& dearest’ partnership forms part of its Proud Sponsor
of Mums campaign and helps acknowledge the key role Mums play
within the family environment. New research by P&G has shown
that as well as the time commitment involved (over 100 mums surveyed
spend 15+ hours per week supporting their child’s participation
in sport or hobbies), mums also recognise the important role sport
plays in a child’s life with almost 70% saying it contributes
to their physical, emotional and mental development.
Nathan Homer, Sports Marketing
& Olympics Project Director of P&G UK says “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 GB
and ParalympicsGB 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.”
The programme will start
with the regional roadshows in October 2011, visiting 14 cities
around the country and will continue up to and throughout the
Games.
- Research conducted jointly by the British Olympic and Paralympic
Associations in August 2011
- Two tickets for Olympic athletes, four for Paralympic athletes,
recognising Paralympians usually require a larger support network
- Research carried out on 2000 UK mums, 72 Point, August 2011
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