Transplant Team Ireland's success at world games
Transplant Team Ireland which includes 4 liver and 23 kidney recipients, ranging in age from 30 - 79, return home from the World Transplant Games with 14 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals. The games were held in Malaga, Spain from 25th June - and July.
The Irish athletes, who competed against almost 1,000 participants from over 50 countries, won a total of 32 medals while at the same time demonstrating their zest for life, team spirit, sportsmanship and infectious goodwill while honouring their organ donors. They competed in their respective age categories in the following events:
badminton, cycling darts, golf, petanque, squash, swimming table tennis, ten pin bowling, tennis, mini-marathon and track and field.
Colin White, Team Manager, and the National Projects Manager of the Irish Kidney Association which is responsible for coordinating and managing Transplant Team Ireland's participation at European and World Transplant Games, is also currently the Treasurer of the World Transplant Games Federation.
Prior to the games Colin said, “This year the World Transplant Games Federation is celebrating 30 years and we can be proud of the tradition that our team has in the competition. Our team is known for its sense of fair play as well as its sense of fun with both underpinned by a steely competitive edge. Our athletes are coming from across the country and their dedication and commitment is not only to their training, in practical terms, they also fund the vast majority of the costs involved. Their motivation is driven by a determination to be Fit for Life, to show other ‘patients’ what can be achieved post-transplant and to encourage the general public to have a family discussion about organ donation”.
Commenting on the fact that this is his 7th World Transplant Games as Team Manager, Colin said, "it continues to be a most humbling honour to be a part of such an inspiring group of people. The realisation that all of the competitors at the Games will be there because of the generosity of organ donors and their families, is a wonderful reminder than there is a lot of good in society!”
For all results and details of the games visit websites:
