Ministers Hail Success Of NI Transplant Games Team
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have marked the success of the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team following their outstanding performance at the 2025 World Transplant Games.
In August this year the team of 27 athletes travelled to Dresden, Germany to compete in the Games.
Team Northern Ireland placed 11th overall in the competition out of 51 competing countries and achieved an impressive medal haul of 18 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze medals.
Speaking after a special reception at Parliament Buildings, Minister Lyons said:
“It was a pleasure to host the athletes to celebrate the fantastic achievements of Team Northern Ireland at this year’s World Transplant Games.
“This was the first year that Team Northern Ireland competed as a standalone member country at the Games, and what a debut performance it was. Their medal haul was an incredible result and one that stands testament to the dedication, talent and spirit of all those involved.
“Beyond the medals, it’s the stories behind each of the athletes that truly inspire us. Every athlete has faced challenges that most of us can only imagine. They have shown courage, determination and a commitment not just to sport but to life itself.
“This celebration was a reminder of the power of sport, not just to achieve medals and rankings but to inspire others, to strengthen communities and to demonstrate the very best of Northern Ireland.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
“It is with immense pride and great pleasure that we have come together to honour Team Northern Ireland who represented our region with such distinction at the recent World Transplant Games. These athletes, who have undergone heart, liver, kidney, and stem cell transplants, competed in a wide range of sports and their achievements are simply exceptional.
“The Games are of course not just about competition; they are about celebrating the generosity of donors and their families, raising awareness of the importance of organ donation, and inspiring others to consider giving the gift of life. While Northern Ireland has an excellent record of organ donation and transplantation, the number of people awaiting transplant exceeds the number of available organs. We must encourage and facilitate donation. I would therefore urge everyone to record their donation decision on the Organ Donor Register and discuss that decision regularly with loved ones.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each member of Team Northern Ireland. You have made us proud and are an inspiration to us all.”
Speaking about the Games, Orla Smyth, athlete, Team Manager and Chair of Transplant Sport Northern Ireland said:
“I cannot put into words how proud I am of the team of transplanted athletes and living donors who represented NI in Dresden. If I’m honest the medals were a bonus – the team spirit, camaraderie and what amazing ambassadors they all were for organ donation is the big win for me.”
Notes to editors:
1. Photo captions: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team at Parliament Buildings during a special reception to mark the team’s success at the 2025 World Transplant Games.
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