SPORTS PROGRAMME

*** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** DUBLIN : 24/8/2019 : Team Ireland returns home from World Transplant Games with mighty haul of 50 medals. Pictured was Transplant Team Ireland team members arriving back to Dublin Airport from the World Transplant Games 2019 held in Newcastle Gateshead, UK. 38 members of Transplant Team Ireland returned home this weekend from an unforgettable week-long World Transplant Games which were held in Newcastle Gateshead, UK. The Irish team including heart, lung, liver, bone marrow and kidney transplant recipients, which ranges in age from 16 to 81, had a final medals tally of 50 medals including 17 Gold, 18 Silver and 15 Bronze which earned them a respectable 11th place on the leader board amongst 56 countries some with larger teams and the host country GB&NI was placed first with its 320 participants. The team's participation at the games was managed by the Irish Kidney Association who are hoping to attract more people to the team when they host the 2020 European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships in Dublin from 2-9 August. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

MEDIA CONTACT : Gwen O'Donoghue mob. 086 8241447 email gwenodonoghue1@gmail.com

Transplant Team Ireland

Physical health is a big part of keeping well whilst living with kidney disease, and after transplantation. The Irish Kidney Association's Sports Programme began as a way to encourage kidney patients to be more active and as a way for people to meet others in similar situations, and has now become one of our most positive vehicles for promoting organ donor awareness.

Transplant & Dialysis Sport brings together the gift of life offered so generously by the donors, and their families, and the strength of the human spirit as shown by the athletes.

Now a team of over 80 members, Transplant Team Ireland has competed all over the world; we are internationally recognised as one of the most successful and enjoyable teams to be a part of.

www.transplantteamireland.ie

Who Can Take Part?

Members must be dialysis patients or transplant recipients. This includes kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas and bone marrow transplants. Our main team members must be over-18 but there are occasional events for younger patients so get in touch for more information!

Does It Cost Money?

No! The Irish Kidney Association hosts team training once per month in Dublin, but attendance is not mandatory. The only cost to you would be if you choose to travel to competitions with the team, in which case you can fundraise for your fees if you wish.

What Sports Can I Play?

The list is growing all the time! You don't have to be an athlete - or even have played sports before at all - to get involved. The sports we play include:

Swimming
Ten Pin Bowling
Athletics (track and field)
Darts
Cycling
Golf
Pétanque (French boules)
Tennis
Table Tennis
Badminton
Squash
Archery
Volleyball

We also have a newly formed Football Team. You can try out as many of the sports as you'd like, even ones you've never played before.

Want to get involved?

Contact our Team Manager Colin White

colin@ika.ie | 087 684 3644

"TTI introduced me to a wonderful group of people with shared experiences of having been very unwell and in the most part now enjoying the gift of new life through successful transplant, though there is an equal place on our team for those who are still on dialysis. TTI is like a very large extended family for me and we encourage each other."

Ron Grainger, Kidney Transplant Recipient

"I joined the team in 2014 and find that it's a great way to honour my donor. Transplant Team Ireland is like having another family and seeing so many remarkable people is so inspirational to me. People should take the opportunity to join the team as it is a truly unique experience and has definitely changed my life."

Kieran Murray, Kidney Transplant Recipient

"Making that call to Colin White at the IKA was the best decision I ever made. I have been an active member of Transplant Team Ireland since 2005, I thought I was just joining a sports team but it's much much more than that. It is a welcoming community with friendship at its core. It provides support, motivation & a framework in which to stay healthy."

Deirdre Faul, Liver Transplant Recipient

"Being part of the team is more than just sports; it's meeting other people who have walked the same journey and to meet other families who have shared the ups and downs. It's a community you inherit, not just a team. You get to represent your country, family and honour your donor on an international platform."

Alan Gleeson, Kidney Transplant Recipient

"Joining Transplant Team Ireland when I was on dialysis opened new doors for me at a time in my life when I thought doors were closing. The Team was enthusiastic, welcoming & experienced members are always there to encourage newcomers. There's a collective spirit of determination to individually do well and to enjoy the achievement of others."

John McAleer, Kidney Transplant Recipient

"Each games is like an annual family reunion every year, sharing the experience with my immediate Irish family and catching up with my international family. In preparing for participation in the games one is also keeping fit and being active, which is good for our health, all thanks to our donors."

Peter Heffernan, Kidney Transplant Recipient

GET IN TOUCH,
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Here at the IKA we're more than happy to assist you with anything you might need. If you've got any questions or concerns then please feel free to use the contact form to send us a message.