Reception held to congratulate world transplant games successes

Sports Minister Edwin Poots, MLA has congratulated the success of the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team.

A special reception was held last night in Parliament Buildings to mark the achievements of the eight athletes who took part in the World Transplant Games in Thailand in August 2007.

Speaking at the event, Sports Minister Edwin Poots, MLA said: “These sportsmen and women are an inspiration to us all. Their outstanding success proves that drive and determination can lead to great achievements regardless of age or physical condition.

“The new Strategy for Sport which I hope to launch in the coming months has identified participation of disabled people in sport as a major issue to be addressed over the coming 10 years. The athletes who take part in the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team are a wonderful example of what can be achieved.

“The World Transplant Games not only demonstrate the physical success of transplant surgery, but also raise awareness of the need to increase organ donation. In Northern Ireland alone there are currently around 300 people waiting for a transplant and I hope that people will be encouraged to consider becoming an organ donor.”

Eight athletes from the Northern Ireland Team travelled to the World Transplant Games in Thailand in August 2007 and won a total of 27 medals: 17 gold; 6 silver and 4 bronze and also set four world championship records in the swimming events. They were also awarded the Team of the Games and received the coveted ‘Rose Bowl’ Trophy which the Northern Ireland team has won eight times out of the last 10 years.

The Minister continued: “I am aware that Belfast has made a bid to host the World Transplant Games in 2011 and has been short listed to the final three cities along with Arhus, Denmark and Gothenburg, Sweden.

“A delegation from the World Transplant Games Federation will be visiting Belfast from 18-19 February to assess the facilities and venues Belfast can offer.

“I would like to wish the Local Organising Committee from Sport Northern Ireland, Transplant Sport UK and Belfast City Council every success with securing the bid.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The NHS Organ Donor Register phone line is open 24 hours a day. The telephone number is: 0845 60 60 400.

For more information visit the UK transplant website or

Visit the UK transplant website to find out how to become a donar

2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.