ATHLETES gathered at Coventry University today to officially launch the 2023 Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which will be held in the city next summer.
The launch event took place at Coventry University’s ‘The Hub’ and saw people gather to look forward to the multi-sport event which is due to take place at venues across Coventry between July 27 and 30.
The Games, now in its 45th year, aim to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ donation while encouraging those who have had a transplant to stay active afterwards.
Athletes aged between three to over 80 will be representing one of more than 50 hospital teams across the UK.
In Britain, 6,700 people are currently on the waiting list for a transplant leaving some areas of the country better equipped to deliver transplants faster than others.
A new scheme known as COxNet has been developed allowing kidney transplant patients in Coventry and Oxford to travel between the two cities for surgeries.
This will allow Coventry patients to benefit from Oxford’s shorter waiting times, and COxNET has already resulted in 150 extra kidney transplant operations.
Transplant Sport chair Dr Paul Harden said: “It’s such great news that we can return to Coventry for next year’s games after the postponement in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“I have no doubt this year’s games will be bigger and better than ever through our ongoing support network from the stakeholder board, talented athletes and volunteers making it their mission to leave a lasting legacy behind in Coventry.”
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire chair Dame Stella Manzie DBE added: “Encouraging an active lifestyle after transplantation is vital and the Games is an amazing way to support athletes and donors in a new life after their transplant.
“We are all thrilled that the Games are coming to our region, and we are aware that our unique COxNet Transplant initiative with Oxford’s Transplant Unit, has enabled more Coventry residents to be transplanted; some of who will be competing in the Games next year.”
Coventry City Council’s deputy leader Coun Abdul Khan said: “This is an extremely special event that promotes more than sport and physical activity.
“We look forward to supporting the Games every step of the way and promoting transplantation and celebrating the athletes’ inspirational stories.”
