Ulster Unionist MLA and party Health spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has recognised the achievements of Northern Ireland’s four World Transplant Games Athletes by hosting them, alongside supporters and family members, at Parliament Buildings Stormont.
All athletes who complete in the World Games are transplant recipients and the four athletes from Northern Ireland were Catherine Annesley (double liver transplant 98 + 02), Philip Cairnduff (liver transplant 04), Kathryn Glover (kidney transplant 09) and Matthew Quinn (heart transplant 12).
Mrs Dobson, who is the Chairperson of the Stormont All Party Group on Organ Donation said:
“These young people are an absolute credit to Northern Ireland and living proof of the life-saving power of a transplant.
“The World Transplant Games took place between 23 and 30 August at Mar del Plata, Argentina. Four local transplant recipients joined the 107 strong Great Britain & Northern Ireland team, and they returned home with an impressive medal haul of 6 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze!
“This is a fantastic achievement for Northern Ireland and these young people, who are the living proof of the life-saving power of organ donation have competed on the World stage and returned home with a fantastic haul of medals.
"I am also delighted that all of the athletes have pledged their support for my Organ Donation Bill and the movement to modernise our local laws and I applaud their achievements.
“As we discussed their medals I was very touched to hear from them that during the games every swimmer in the Swimming Team was given the opportunity to wear the late Janet Coleman’s swimming cap.
“Janet who sadly passed away in June this year was a dynamo in the organ donation family in Northern Ireland. She was one of our most successful transplant athletes, a truly inspirational woman who was an example to all of the power of organ donation.
“It was very poignant indeed when triple medal winner Philip Cairnduff told us he that ‘if it wasn’t for the donors coming forward there would not have been any athletes on the starting lines at all in Argentina.’
Lynne Holt, Manager of Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland said: "Selection to the team is an enormous commitment of both time and money. It’s a busy time for athletes, keeping fit, regularly training in their sport, attending regular team training meets, doing publicity and trying to raise approximately £2k per person to get there! However, the opportunity to represent their country, celebrate life and in doing so, pay tribute to their donors, is the goal."
Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland were the largest national transplant team at this year's World Transplant Games in Argentina. Yet again they topped the medals table with over 100 gold medals.
“They also set even more World Transplant Games records. And now the focus moves to Spain 2017 - Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland needs your support. The Team is entirely self-funded.”