Newport to welcome inspirational athletes for British Transplant Games 2019
Posted on Tuesday 22nd January 2019
The 2019 Westfield Health British Transplant Games were officially launched today with the lighting of the Donor Family Flame in Newport.
The Games will take place from the 25-28 July 2019 and are expected to attract more than 850 transplant recipient athletes and more than 1,500 supporters, including donor families, to the city.
Organised on behalf of the charity Transplant Sport UK, the aim of the Games is to raise awareness of and increase organ donation.
Newport Council, Newport Live, Welsh Government and the Games organisers are working in partnership to make this the best event yet.
Ann Lloyd CBE, Chair of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Chair of the Games’ Local Organising Committee, said: Wales has led the way in the UK in its approach to organ donation and the introduction of deemed consent. However, there is much more to do to raise awareness of its importance and encourage people to have those, sometimes difficult, conversations with loved ones.
“The Games not only recognise the amazing gift that a transplant can give – how recipients of all ages can lead a healthy, active and normal life – but also honour the donors.
Professor Chris Jones, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Welsh Government who attended the launch, said: “The Games are a celebration. These athletes are able to compete because of the kindness of countless donors and their families who have given the gift of life.
“It will also help get people talking about their organ donation decision. A quick chat can help benefit the people of the UK. If your family know your decision and honour it, it could reduce the number of people dying whilst waiting for a suitable organ to become available, and transform the lives of others.
“We wish everyone involved a successful Games.”
Councillor Mark Whitcutt, Deputy Leader of Newport City Council, said: “We are honoured to be welcoming the Games to our city. Newport has an excellent record of hosting sporting events from the Ryder Cup, Velothon, track cycling championships to Olympic and Paralympic training camps – but this event will be something special for the city.
“These athletes are inspirational and the Games bring with it such an important message.
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games include over 25 sporting and social events and competitions for all abilities, from fishing through to track and field, including the Donor Run, an inclusive event open to the public.
The Games will complement campaigns taking place at a local level to educate and raise awareness of organ donation and the importance of sharing your decision with your loved ones.
Title sponsor Westfield Health, a leading not-for-profit health insurer, has been involved in the Games for more than a decade.
David Capper, CEO at Westfield Health, said: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in the Games for many years and look forward to seeing the event come to Wales. It is a travesty that three people die every day waiting for a transplant. You don’t have to look far to find someone touched by organ donation.
“Westfield Health is dedicated to making a healthy difference to the quality of life of our customers and the communities in which they live and work – there is no greater way of improving lives than to give the gift of life itself.”
Today the British Transplant Games see over 50 teams from hospitals across the UK (and still have overseas visitors) come together to share their personal experiences, compete and thank their donor families, who increasingly form part of the Games.
The British Games are also a channel for selection to the biennial World Transplant Games, in which Team GB are amongst the largest and most successful.