JUDO star Sam Ingram has been given a boost on his road to Rio after being signed up by a top international snacking company as one of its official athlete ambassadors.
Coventry-born Ingram has joined forces with Mondel?z International, who is an official partner for the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and they will be backing him all the way to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Ingram, who won a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, hopes to represent the Paralympics GB Judo Team next year having risen swiftly through the ranks.
He broke onto the international judo scene back in 2007 after finishing fifth at the European Championships in Serbia and one year later after getting the GB call for the Paralympic Games in Beijing, Ingram came home all smiles after securing a shock bronze medal.
His target four years later in London was to win gold but he was made to settle for silver on home soil.
“Taking part in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games has always been a goal for me,” said Ingram. “I want to be seen as a role model for other upcoming Paralympic athletes and inspire people to follow their passion.
“I am extremely grateful to Mondel?z International for selecting me as one of their athlete ambassadors. I can continue my journey knowing that I have a lot of support behind me.”
Mondel?z International is supporting two other Paralympic athletes in the run up to Rio 2016, including para-rower, Grace Clough and Swindon wheelchair tennis ace Louise Hunt.
Phil Greenhalgh, managing director UK from Mondel?z International, added: “We are proud to show our support to British Paralympians on their route to such an iconic sporting event.
“With such a busy training schedule, we are delighted that Sam will act as one of our ambassadors as he is an inspiration to other upcoming athletes and the region.”
The British Paralympic Association is urging the public to help the athletes on their journey by supporting the Supercharge ParalympicsGB campaign.
To find out more visit rio.paralympics.org.uk/news/article/supercharge-paralympicsgb