British Transplant Games to come to Sheffield in 2013

28th May 2012

HUNDREDS of transplant athletes will descend on Sheffield next summer when the annual British Transplant Games come to the city for the second time in five years.

The event, which aims to raise awareness of the value of organ donation and help increase numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register, will take place in Sheffield from the 15-18 August 2013. Organised on behalf of the charity Transplant Sport UK (TSUK) the Games showcase the benefits of transplantation, whilst giving people aged between two and 80-years-old who have had a transplant the chance to compete in a wide range of sport activities. Last time the event was held in the city it attracted about 2,000 competitors and visitors providing a £500,000 boost to the local economy. Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: We are extremely excited about the British Transplant Games returning to Sheffield next year. It's a fantastic event for the profile of the city, raising awareness of a vital public health issue transplantation, and the critical need for more organ donors to register. Several of the city's businesses have already got on board with the 2013 Games, including Sheffield International Venues and The University of Sheffield both of which have kindly offered use of their outstanding facilities throughout the Games' weekend. We look forward to working with TSUK and other companies across the region to ensure that the British Transplant Games 2013 is a resounding success. The Games last visited the city in 2008 and have since been hailed by both participants and the event organisers as one of the most successful Transplant Games to date, helping to boost NHS Organ Donor Register figures in South Yorkshire by an impressive 25,000 names. Lynne Holt, Trustee of TSUK, said: The city has superb sporting facilities, so we are delighted to be bringing the Transplant Games back to Sheffield in 2013. The event is always an extremely moving one as each transplant athlete knows firsthand what it is like to be waiting for an organ. It's a life or death situation for many, so to see the people who have been lucky enough to get a transplant be back living life to the full is fantastic. More than 10,000 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly, three people die waiting every day. But with only 29 per cent of the UK population actually registered as organ donors, there simply aren't enough organs to go round. Lynne added: It's a sad truth that more than 40 per cent of families still refuse to give consent to organ donation, as most were unaware of their loved one's wishes. We need events like the Transplant Games to showcase the value of transplantation and to encourage people to discuss their wishes with their families. We hope the people of South Yorkshire will once again embrace our cause and support the Games in any way they can. For more information about how you can play a part in the British Transplant Games Sheffield 2013, contact event manager Alison Bridge on 0114 257 1992 or email btg@mls.gb.com To add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register call 0300 1232323, text SAVE to 84118 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

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