Carrick athlete to represent Ireland in European transplant and dialysis games
One of Ireland's greatest sporting figures has paid tribute to a group of 70 brave Irish transplant and dialysis athletes who will wear the green singlet at a major European Games in Dublin next month.
It is Ireland's first time to host the European Transplant & Dialysis Games, when over 350 athletes from 24 European countries will converge on Dublin to celebrate 'the gift of life.'
Among those taking part will be Edward Crowe from Carrick on Suir as well as Nenagh athletes Orla Ryan and Sheila Gregan.
Edward received a kidney from his wife Deirdre in Ireland's first spouse-to-spouse transplant operation.
"Everyone's a winner in these Games," athletics legend Eamonn Coghlan told the Irish athletes at a special motivational talk at the ALSAA complex in Dublin. Every athlete at the Games will either be on dialysis, or have already received kidney, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas or bone marrow transplants.
"You have all fought huge personal battles to just get to the starting-line for these Games. You have displayed not only your love of sport, but your love of life, and you are an inspiration to all of us," said Coghlan.
The 70-strong team will form Ireland's biggest-ever representation at these Games, as team manager Colin White explained that "hosting the Games in Dublin means so much to so many people who are facing organ failure, are on dialysis or have transplants."
He added: "We are delighted with the numbers of athletes who will take part in Irish colours. These Games are all about taking part, celebrating good health and life, and creating some fabulous memories."
The athletes come from all over Ireland and range in age from 18 to 72 and for many of them this will be their first time competing at this level.
"We honour our donors by showing that organ transplantation works. That's a vital message to promote as the need for a life-saving organ transplant can visit a family with devastating speed, and at any age, even babies and children," said team captain Mick Dwyer, who eleven years ago had a kidney transplant. It will be his seventh Games at either European or World level.
"The Games show the benefits, both physical and psychological, that people on dialysis gain by participating in regular sport and exercise".
The competing countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Athletes will compete in badminton, cycling, darts, track & field, golf, mini-marathon, petanque, swimming, table tennis, ten pin bowling, tennis, and volleyball.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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