The Irish team taking part in the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia have left with an impressive haul of 17 medals including 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 4 Bronze, together with two world transplant games time records broken. Some of the team returned to Ireland yesterday but others are extending their visit in Australia with many spending time with extended family now living in Australia.
Sheila Gregan from Nenagh, competed in the triathlon event (swim 500m, cycle 20km and 5km run) and while not winning a medal is proud of her performance and the positive experience at the games and was supported by her daughter who currently lives in Australia. John Loftus from Clarina, Limerick met up with his son Kyle and other relatives living down under also. He took away a Bronze medal in the Ball Throw event but was disappointed to have to pull out of his forte 100m sprint event due to a calf injury.
Over 1,500 competitors from 46 countries participated to showcase the success of organ donation through sport while honouring their donors. The Irish Transplant team range in age from 36 right up to 75, have all received organ transplants including 2 liver, 2 bone marrow, and 10 kidney.
Individuals who wish to support organ donation are encouraged to Share their Wishes with their family and keep the reminders of their decision available by carrying the organ donor card, permitting Code 115 to be included on their driver’s licence or having the ‘digital organ donor card’ App on their smartphone.
Organ Donor Cards can be requested by visiting the IKA website www.ika.ie/get-a-donor-card or by phoning the Irish Kidney Association on 01 6205306 or Free text the word DONOR to 50050.
