25 transplant athletes and one dialysis athlete will represent Ireland at the European Transplant Sports Championships in Lisbon, Portugal later this month.
This sporting event will run from Sunday, July 21st to July 28th. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of organ donation and a true celebration of the gift of life.
The players heading to Lisbon will be led by team manager Harry Ward, originally from Baldoyle, and a large number of supporters.
Athletes participate in a variety of sports including track and field, badminton, 10-pin bowling, cycling, darts, golf, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and petanque.
The Irish Transplant Team boasts an outstanding track record of sporting success, competing in World, European and British Sports Championships, with many Irish athletes holding world and European records in the sport.
This can help provide inspiration to those newly diagnosed with organ failure and uncertain about what the future holds.
The opening day of this year's European Sports Championships was held last Sunday, July 7th, at Kilcullen Community Center, Co. Kildare.
The day was hosted by James Nolan, who himself received the great gift of life by donating a kidney from his sister Catherine.
James is the team's Irish athlete and founder of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF), which has raised more than 1.9 million to date for kidney-related projects.
The motivational speaker was Brian Cody of Kilkenny hurling fame who introduced the team kit.
Brian paid tribute to all the transplant and dialysis athletes on the Ireland team and also highlighted the need for resilience and resilience in sport.
He shared with the group the words he told his players in the dressing room before important games: “Play, don't give in to pressure and stop playing.”
He cited determination, drive, ambition, real grit and the need for positivity as qualities he saw in the Irish Transplant team.
Brian also advised the players to enjoy everything and every moment of their lives instead of worrying about it during the weeks of waiting.
His words gave courage to all the athletes as they continue to prepare for Lisbon.
Carol Moore, CEO of the Irish Kidney Association, Colin White and Olive Cummins from IKA, Robert McCutcheon from the Heart and Lung Federation, as well as transplanted athletes, supporters and friends, were also in attendance.
Kits were also distributed to 19 athletes taking part in the British Transplant Games in Nottingham (pictured above).
Team manager Harry Ward also addressed the large crowd in attendance, as did Transplant Sport Ireland chairman Trevor Lynch.
Transplant Sport Ireland (TSI) is a volunteer-run organization that allows transplant recipients and dialysis patients to connect and support each other in the shared belief that sport plays an important role in maintaining good health.
The organization aims to encourage transplant and dialysis patients to live active lifestyles and celebrate the gift of life through sports.
Athletes prove what they can achieve while honoring their new lives.
TSI, the governing body for transplant sport in Ireland, believes that the camaraderie of sport and the Irish team promotes a positive recovery for transplant patients and supports those who are on or have previously gone on a similar journey. We believe that meeting people who are undergoing dialysis will provide valuable support.
Most importantly, Transplant Sport Ireland is also committed to raising awareness of the importance of organ donation and remembering and continuing to thank organ donors and their families.
TSI encourages everyone to say “yes” to organ donation and have the conversation.
Organ donors save lives.
At any given time, between 550 and 600 people are on the waiting list for organ transplants in Ireland, including heart, lung, liver, bone marrow, kidney and pancreas.
Letting friends and family know your wishes for organ donation is an important step in saving lives.
If you would like further information please visit the TSI website transplantsporttireland.ie and our social media platforms.
If you would like to join the team or we can help with sponsorship, please contact us via email. [email protected]
