On 24th November the Westfield Health British Transplant Games were launched in Leeds. Looking ahead to the event next year, which will reunite the transplant community after almost two years of shielding. The launch event took place at the Leeds Civic Hall which saw Games organisers, local partners and transplant recipients gather to mark the occasion and officially start the countdown to the British Transplant Games 2022.
James Lewis, the Leader of Leeds Council, said:
“We’re so excited to finally be able to welcome the transplant community to Leeds for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games. It’s been a long time coming, we’re ready and raring to go and are so proud to be doing our bit to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage the people of Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire to have that crucial conversation about their wishes with loved ones.”
Next summer more than 900 transplant athletes, aged from three to over 80, will travel from across the UK with family, friends, and supporters to compete in the Games, for the first time since 2019. Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Trustees for Transplant Sport, said:
“It’s exciting to know that we are getting everyone back together - safely, after a long two years. Transplant recipients have faced significant challenges throughout the pandemic, so they need the chance to reconnect. At Transplant Sport, we are so grateful for the support from our sponsors, the city of Leeds, and in particular Roger Burnley for his ongoing commitment to the stakeholder board and to staging the Games. Plans are underway to make this the best Games yet!”