Fans urged to get behind Team Ireland & “Bring the Cheer” for this year’s games
Date Para-table tennis champion Colin Judge has paid a moving tribute to his parents Brian and Michelle ahead of the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris citing their role in helping him to overcome adversity and pursue his dreams.
In a powerful video message, released as part of Nestlé Cereals, “Bring the Cheer” campaign, which is urging the nation to get behind Team Ireland, Judge recalls how his parents never allowed his disability to become an obstacle. Born with one arm and no legs, Judge was the first baby in Ireland with his condition at that time.
“The doctors told my parents that I'd need full time care my entire life and made out a list of the things that I'd never be able to do,” said Judge, adding “From a young age, my mum and dad never let my disability get in the way of what I wanted to achieve.”
and para-cyclist Richael Timothy as Nestlé Cereals were announced as the
official Breakfast Partner of the 2024 Irish Paralympic Team. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The Nestlé Cereals ambassador has his eyes firmly set on Paris, having endured significant challenges on his sporting journey, including moving countries to dedicate his time to attaining qualification and reclassification to a division where competitor athletes have less severe impairments.
He credits his parents with helping him develop the resilience to keep going, no matter what, saying;
“I'm very grateful that they made me exercise that muscle of trying something, failing, trying again, because it's stood to me later in life when the obstacles have been far greater.”
A qualified actuary, Judge is a five-time national champion. Debuting for Ireland in 2012, he has achieved incredible success since; securing his first medal at the French Open in 2015, followed up with, most notably European Championship titles in 2017, 2018; the World Qualification semi-final stages in 2021, Toyko 2020 and now upcoming Paris 2024.
Judge, a huge Manchester United fan, also shares his admiration for a trio of United legends, with Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson among his top three choices to have over for breakfast.
Research released by Nestlé Cereals found that 6 in every 10 Irish adults believe that their cheer and support positively impact the performance of an athlete/team while over 70% have highlighted the huge sense of pride they feel at seeing an Irish athlete on the world stage.
To learn more about Colin Judge and his Paralympic journey, facing adversity and the importance of support, follow him on Instagram here.
