Golfers from across Europe descended on Oxford Golf Club this week as part of the bi-annual European Transplant and Dialysis Games.
Thirty-five competitors from 10 countries took part in a two-day tournament, with Ireland’s Michael Dwyer and Marie O’Connor winning the team event. Great Britain’s Charles Lewis won gold in the men’s individual event while Amanda O’Neil from Ireland won the women’s event.
The Games are being held in England for the first time – 22 years after they were successfully launched in Athens. With more than 6,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the UK at any given time, the Games aim to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ donation, the importance of staying active post-transplants and showing appreciation for and remembering donors and their families.
Oxford Golf Club General Manager Steve Greenwood hopes the Games can inspire more organ recipients and kidney dialysis patients living locally to play golf and lead healthier lifestyles.
“Golf is a fantastic way for people of all ages to be outdoors, lead a healthy and active lifestyle and meet likeminded individuals,” said Steve. “Our club is open and accessible to players of all abilities, and we are continually exploring ways to promote our sport to a wider audience.
“It was our privilege to host this year’s golf tournaments for the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Games. Hearing the inspiring stories of players and what prompted them to play golf underlines why participation from beginner levels right up to elite performers is so important. Organ donation saves thousands of lives each year, but many more individuals remain on the waiting list. We hope The Games can encourage more people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and would like to congratulate all participants for their achievements at Oxford Golf Club.”
Headington-based Dr Paul Harden, Chairman of Transplant Sport, said: “We are really grateful to Oxford Golf Club for hosting the golfing event at this year’s Games. The club’s proximity to Churchill Hospital in addition to its history and quality course made it our first choice. The Games are a really important part of our efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of organ donation, and the life-saving impact of transplants.
“As an Oxford resident, it makes me proud to see the Games held for the first time in the UK on my doorstep, and my home city being so supportive of our cause. Oxford is a centre of medical research and innovation, and with a specialist transplantation unit based here it’s fitting the Games is strengthening ties with this fantastic location.”
Further information about the work of Transplant Sport and upcoming events is available online via its website.