Sheffield 2013
The British Transplant Games return to Sheffield in 2013.
Dates - 15 - 18 August
City gathers to celebrate launch of Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2013
City dignitaries and transplant athletes from across the region gathered to celebrate the launch of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2013 at a high profile event in Sheffield today.
The launch, which was opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sheffield - Councillor Vickie Priestley and featured an appearance from Paralympian David Wetherhill, marked the beginning of the countdown to the Games which are set to take place in Sheffield from the 15-18 August 2013.
Organised on behalf of the charity Transplant Sport UK by Sheffield-based events company MLS, and supported by local not for profit health insurer Westfield Health, the British Transplant Games attract hundreds of athletes – all of whom have undergone at least one life saving organ transplant – with the aim of raising awareness of transplantation and boosting numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
John Timms, event director at MLS, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Games back to our home city of Sheffield.
“Last time the event was held here in 2008 we managed to get an additional 25,000 names on the Organ Donor Register across South Yorkshire, giving more hope to those on the transplant waiting list.
“Several of the city’s businesses have already got on board with the 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.
“Let’s make it the best British Transplant Games to date and show the rest of the UK what a sporting show Sheffield can put on.”
Guests at the event were treated to drinks from local supplier NouriSH me Now and British Transplant Games brownies from Zooby’s café in the Winter Gardens whilst listening to moving speeches from athletes and supporters alike.
Graham Moore, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games and headline sponsors Westfield Health, said: “It’s a sad fact that three people die every day whilst waiting for a transplant. These lives need not be lost if more people added their names to the Organ Donor Register and, importantly, shared their wishes with their loved ones.
“The Games provide a vital channel through which to communicate the value of transplantation and in turn, boost the amount of names on the donor register. I’m looking forward to helping spread this message far and wide, both in my role as Chair of the LOC and as a representative of Westfield Health.”
For more information about how you can get involved with next year’s Games, contact event manager Alison Bridge on 0114 2573170 or email btg@mls.gb.com .
