Volunteers wanted for Transplant Games
Kilcullen people are being asked to play an important part in the running of the European Transplant & Dialysis Games, which are being held next August under the auspices of the Irish Kidney Association.
A meeting planned for 2 February will be addressed by Colin White, National Organiser for the Games, which are being held in Ireland for the first time.
As many as 400 athletes are expected to take part in the event, which will be based in DCU in Dublin and will include a number of other locations on the city’s North side, including the National Aquatic Centre.
Colin White says around 70 volunteers will be required on the week of the Games themselves, for a range of activities.
“But we’re also looking for people and organisations to undertake fundraising towards the cost of the Games,” he says.
The estimated cost at the moment relates more to the length of a piece of string rather than an actual figure, but Mr White says they’ll be hoping for up to €150,000 in donations from business and the community.
Volunteers are being sought in the Greater Dublin area rather than nationally, because the logsitics of managing people from other parts of the country would be very difficult.
Local organiser in Kilcullen Phena Bermingham is hoping that representatives of all organisations as well as many individuals will turn up to the meeting in February.
“What I’d really like is that various clubs could set up their own sub-committees for fundraising and organising volunteers,” she says.
Phena has been a prime mover in the fundraising for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, which has raised in excess of €100,000 for the fund through participation in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon over recent years.
The fund was established by local businessman James Nolan, who has competed at World Transplant Games many times, taking home medals. He was the recipient of a donor kidney from his sister more than two decades ago.
Colin White says that having the European Games in Ireland will be a very positive way of promoting the carrying of Organ Donor Cards, which is one of the key projects of the IKA.
At the 2 February meeting, currently scheduled for the Parish Centre, he will also take questions on all aspects of kidney health, dialysis, and anything else raised by those present.
Noting that the Heart & Lung Transplant Games were held for the first time in Ireland a few years ago, he says that event ‘raised the bar very high’ for the IKA event.
“They were generally recognised as having been the best Heart & Lung Transplant Games held so far, so we have a lot to beat.”
Athletes from up to 20 countries will be involved in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games, which will run from 8-15 August. Dublin City University will be providing the accommodation and base facilities for the participants.
Anyone who wants further information can contact Colin White on 087 6843644. Application forms for volunteers will also be available on a special website, 2010newlife.com
(Meanwhile, there's a meeting of an ad hoc group tonight in Fallons, at 8pm, if anyone wants to become involved in organising the February 2 public meeting.)
