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GPA lend support to Kidney Association

November 8, 2018

GPA lend support to Kidney Association

Ireland’s leading Gaelic footballers and hurlers are lending their support to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) as they prepare to host the 6th European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Dublin this August.

The Irish Kidney Association has been nominated as one of the Gaelic Players Association’s dedicated charities for 2010 and as part of their support of organ donation, the GPA is backing this prestigious and unique event which will take place from August 8th to 15th.

It is the first time that the Games will be held in Ireland and it coincides nicely with Dublin being European Capital of Sport. The event is expected to attract 500+ participants from up to 20 countries and what makes the Games unique is the fact that all of the competitors will either be organ transplant recipients or be on dialysis.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Colin White, expressed his delight in the offer of support from the GPA. “The enthusiasm of the GPA in embracing the Games to promote organ donation has been very encouraging. Inter-county players are icons to so many and their support will make a very positive impact in raising the profile of the Games and encouraging more people to get an organ donor card and discuss their wishes with their family.”

The GPA recognises the health and social benefits of regular participation in sport and is delighted to be involved in helping to promote the Games and thereby promoting organ donation. GPA CEO Dessie Farrell commented: “Following a very moving item broadcast last year concerning organ donation, I was inundated with calls from players wanting to help. So we discussed the possibility of lending our support to the Irish Kidney Association on a formal basis. We are delighted to be able to help in a small way by endorsing the organ donor campaign and by backing the European Transplant & Dialysis Games this August. It is wonderful that an event like this is taking place in Ireland and we encourage everyone to support the Games any way they can.”

The GPA is encouraging its members to carry an Organ Donor Card and to talk to their families and friends throughout their Clubs about it.