Donors Sought As Transplant Games Loom

Belfast's first citizen today urged the people of the city to 'give the gift of life' and become organ donors.

Sinn Fein Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile called on people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register as he announced details of the opening ceremony for the 2011 Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which take place in Belfast over the weekend of 4 - 7 August.

More than 600 athletes will parade through the city centre in two weeks time, from the City Hall to the Belfast Waterfront for the opening ceremony, after which they will go on to compete in more than 20 sports, as well as associated social events, over the following three days.

"The whole point of the games is to celebrate the gift of life and promote the urgent need for donor awareness in our community," commented the Mayor, who has been a registered donor for several years.

"While we look forward to giving Belfast's renowned warm welcome to the athletes, their families and supporters - and making these games truly memorable for all concerned - it is equally important that we leave a lasting legacy, by signing up to the donor register and giving the gift of life to those who so desperately need it," added Councillor Ó Donnghaile.

The Mayor was joined in his call by the Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, who pointed out that the need for more donors was far greater here than in the rest of the United Kingdom.

"The rate of registration is far lower in Northern Ireland than in most other regions," he commented.

"There are currently 300 people here awaiting an organ transplant, and around 65 people a year actually receive one - meaning that the average waiting time is more than four years.

"In addition to the great social and economic cost that this entails, in means that many more people in Northern Ireland die before a suitable organ becomes available," added DUP Minister Poots, noting that the games will see 600 athletes taking part in more than 20 sports at venues all over Belfast and district.

Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency and Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee, urged people to come out and cheer the athletes on.

"Every single one of these competitors has received the gift of life, in the form of a transplant, and they are taking part to celebrate this gift," said Dr Rooney.

"The games were last held in Belfast in 1998, and everyone who took part remembers them with affection.

"I am sure that the welcome the city gives this time around will be even bigger and warmer and that all the competitors and their families will be talking about them for years to come," he concluded.

To become an organ donor, register online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk call the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 (lines are open 24 hours a day all year round and calls are charged at your contracted rate for local calls) or text SAVE to 84118.

(BMcC/GK)