Minister Lyons hosts reception for NI Transplant Games Team

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hosted a special reception for the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team.

Northern Ireland is one of 60 countries set to compete across 17 sports at the 25th World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany from 17-24 August. This is the first year that Northern Ireland will compete as a standalone member country of the World Transplant Games Federation.

At the last World Transplant Games in Australia in 2023 only 3 athletes from Northern Ireland had the opportunity to compete as part of Team GB. This summer there will be 22 transplanted athletes, 5 living donors and 3 medical and coaching staff going to Dresden.

Speaking at a reception at Parliament Buildings, Minister Lyons said: “It is great to welcome the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team to Parliament Buildings ahead of what is a big summer for the team. This summer's Games will be the first time transplant athletes from here can compete to represent Northern Ireland in its own right.

“This is another example of the benefits of being active and participating in sport, especially in the rehabilitation and quality of life of those who have received a transplant.

“It further highlights that sport and physical activity is for everyone, and being a recipient of a transplant does not mean that you can no longer enjoy sport. I hope that the Northern Ireland team's participation at the World Transplant Games helps promote that message.”

Orla Smyth, Team Manager for the NI Transplant Games Team, added: “I am honoured to be the Team Manager for the first ever standalone Northern Ireland team competing in the World Transplant Games in Dresden this August. Our athletes have all been putting in the hard work over the last year to be as prepared as they can to compete in their chosen sport on a global stage.

“Their ability to do so is down to the courage and generosity of organ donors and their families. This event allows us to showcase the life-changing benefits of organ donation and the opportunity to thank organ donors on a global stage.

“We hope that the visibility of our transplanted athletes encourages people to talk to their loved ones about organ donation and the legacy that can be left from the decision to register as an organ donor.”