Athlone man Noel Marsden is one of 29 athletes all set to represent Ireland at the ninth European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships in Vantaa, Finland, from July 10 to 17.
Transplant Team Ireland, which comprises 23 men and 6 women ranging in age from 18 to 78, includes 22 transplant recipients as well as seven people who are receiving dialysis treatment.
Team manager, Colin White, said: “The opportunity to take part in events such as the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships offers people on dialysis and transplant recipients an incentive to keep active and healthy in preparation for competition thus impacting positively on their lifestyle choices throughout the year.
“The ‘yes we can’ attitude of our team members offers encouragement for others on a similar health journey and comfort to donor families who get to see the impact that the gift of life can have. We have a great mix of experience and newcomers on our team this year and I am looking forward to all the ‘little moments’ that each will experience throughout the week.
“Our athletes’ personal stories will inspire others within their local communities as well as on a national level and with the support of the media they can promote a strong message – organ donation works.”
Every athlete at the games will either have already received a kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, or bone marrow transplant, or are on dialysis.
For more information on the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships and the Irish athletes, visit the Irish team blog at www.transplantteamireland.wordpress.com or visit the games’ website at www.vantaa2016.fi
