300+ transplant athletes will descend on Dresden, Germany, which includes 30 junior athletes and 20 Donor and Live Donor families. Team GB will be accompanied by a further 100+ supporters including the management team
Lynne Holt, Team Manager and Patron of Transplant Sport said: “The World Transplant Games are a great opportunity for our transplant athletes to compete at an international level, to share their stories and inspire people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
"Competing at the British and World Transplant Games would not be possible without the generosity of the organ donors who ensure that these athletes can demonstrate the benefits of lifesaving transplantation.”
“Not only are these athletes’ ambassadors for our country, but they are also representing the charity, Transplant Sport. Being an athlete on the team is an enormous commitment of both time and money.
"The athletes are busy keeping fit, regularly training in their sport, working, studying, doing publicity and trying to raise the £2k+ per person to get there and compete! However, the opportunity to represent their country, celebrate the gift of life and in doing so, pay tribute to their donors, is the goal!’
“It is always a little daunting competing at the World Transplant Games but with the support of those who have been before, together with the volunteer coaches, captains, management, medical and sport therapy team, the experience will ultimately be a rewarding one for all involved!’
More than 7,600 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly, people die waiting! But with only 61 per cent of the UK population registered as organ donors, and a relative refusal rate of 43%, more work needs to be done to raise awareness of donation and to urge those on the donor register to share their wishes with loved ones.
