SWINDON-born tennis ace Louise Hunt has been given a boost on the road to Rio, thanks to snacking company Mondel?z International which has signed up the athlete as one of its official athlete ambassadors.

As an official partner for the British Paralympic Association (BPA), Mondel?z International will be backing Louise all the way to the biggest Paralympic sporting event, the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Louise, who competed in her first Grand Slam in Wimbledon last year and at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, hopes to represent the Paralympics GB Wheelchair Tennis Team next year.

Now aged 24, she is at her highest career ranking of 10 in the world in singles and is part of the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme.

Louise said: “Taking part in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games has always been a goal for me. 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.”

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 Louise will act as one of our ambassadors as she 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. For more details visit: http://rio.paralympics.org.uk/news/article/supercharge-paralympicsgb