British Transplant Games 2019 – one week to go!
Posted on Thursday 18th July 2019
Newport will welcome hundreds of inspirational athletes to the city next week as we host The 2019 Westfield Health British Transplant Games.
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.
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.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, 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 – sign up now at www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk
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.
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.
For more information visit www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk