With just four weeks remaining until the world’s first-ever Transplant World Cup, excitement is building as charity Transplant Sport, an official member body of the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF), proudly announces the participation of the English and Welsh national teams.
This groundbreaking event, set to take place in Cervia, Italy, from September 8-14, will feature eleven countries, each represented by teams of transplant recipients including heart, lung, kidney, liver, and bone marrow. These athletes will showcase the life-changing impact of organ donation, celebrating the gift of life by staying active post-transplant.
This historic event not only marks the debut of the Transplant World Cup but also coincides with Organ Donation Week, running from 23 – 29 of September. The timing offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the critical importance of organ donation, with the tournament serving as a testament to the transformative power of transplants.
The England team consists of fourteen inspiring athletes from across the United Kingdom, all of which have overcome significant health challenges to compete at the highest level of transplant sport, which is a remarkable achievement in itself. The team members come from various regions across the UK, including Glasgow, Middlesex, Devon, and Leicestershire.
The squad was selected by a panel of three coaches based on performances at the Transplant Sport Satellite Competition held in Cardiff in March and at the 2023 British Transplant Games.
Daley Cross, Trustee at Transplant Sport and England squad coach said, “The first-ever Transplant World Cup is a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to represent their country on a global stage and raise awareness for organ donation. Without people signing up for the donor register, these athletes wouldn’t have had a second chance at life. Our primary goal is to raise awareness about the vital need for more people to confirm their organ donation decision. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes have put into training, and we are excited about the possibility of winning the first ever tournament!”
The final training session will take place in Dunstable on August 24th, marking the last time all the athletes will gather before heading to Italy. Anglia With a focus on tactics for the small-sided game, the team is gearing up to showcase their skills on the global stage.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews with team members and coaches during the final training session in Dunstable, please contact [email protected]
