Quinn talks a good game for transplant athletes

FORMER Republic of Ireland international Niall Quinn gave a motivational talk to a group of brave transplant athletes in advance of their departure later this month for the 19th World Transplant Games which will be held in Durban, South Africa.

Taking time out of his busy schedule, the ex-Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland striker spoke to members of Transplant Team Ireland when they gathered for training at the ALSAA sports complex.

The Irish team of 24 athletes, which includes eight Dubliners, have all received organ transplants including kidney, pancreas, liver, and heart.

Seven of the kidney recipients received their transplant from living donors.

The Irish team, ranging in age from 12 to 68, will participate in various sporting disciplines at the Games which take place from July 28 to August 4. Two of the younger members of the team have just completed their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams.

Niall Quinn, who is highly regarded for his charitable work and support of worthy causes, said:

“It is a great honour to meet such inspirational athletes who have faced huge health battles and now thanks to the gift of organ donation they can share with me their passion for life and its celebration through sport.

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National team manager and World Transplant Games federation councillor, Colin White, said the athletes’ participation in the Games offered a great opportunity to showcase the success of organ donation and transplantation.

“Their achievements offer inspiration to others experiencing organ failure and an impetus to the general public to embrace organ donation,

? stated Mr White.

Enjoying world-class infrastructure, fine weather and sunny beaches, the coastal city of Durban will be the first city on the African continent to host the World Transplant Games.

Over 1,000 athletes from 50 countries will participate in the World Games. Fifty events including track & field, road races, cycling, swimming, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, squash, lawn bowls, volleyball, petanque and Tenpin Bowling will feature.

At the previous World Transplant Games in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2011, the Irish team, comprising 33 athletes secured a world record in one event and picked up a massive haul of 39 medals – 13 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze – and were placed 11th overall on the medals table.

The Dubliners on the Irish team are: Brian Carney (Killester), Deirdre Faul (Dalkey), Peter Heffernan (Skerries), John Moran (Glasnevin), James Reynolds (Tallaght), Ms Dara McLaughlin (Lucan), Angela Sherlock (Walkinstown) and Harry Ward (Baldoyle).

For more information on the 19th World Transplant Games and Transplant Team Ireland visit the team blog www.transplantteamireland.ie and the World Transplant Games website www.wtg2013.com

For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or contact the Irish Kidney Association on locall 1890 543639 or log on to www.ika.ie