Ireland will send 24 athletes to the Games which run from August 31st to September 6th, and they will be joined by family and friends. "It's not about the medals, but about the chance to celebrate the gift of life. That's what makes these Games so special," said team manager Colin White, Balbriggan, whose wife Chikoyo is one of the Irish athletes.

Dublin has the highest county representation on the Irish team. The seven Dublin athletes are team captain Michael Dwyer, Dun Laoghaire; Sandra Doyle, Drumcondra; Deirdre Faul, Dalkey; Peter Heffernan, Skerries; Paul Prendergast, Santry; Harry Ward, Baldoyle; and Chikoyo White, Balbriggan.

The European Transplant and Dialysis Games aim to highlight the importance of organ donation and promote the idea of healthy living through sport.

The athletes will take part in a wide variety of disciplines, including track & field, badminton, darts, bowling, swimming, and cycling.

Team doctor is Foxrock-based Dr Emer Kilbride, who will be travelling to her fifth international games with the Irish team.

Log onto www.transplantteamireland.com to follow the team's progress. For Organ Donor Cards freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit the Irish Kidney Association website www.ika.ie