TWENTY-FOUR athletes from across Ireland will take part in the 5th European Transplant and Dialysis Games which start tomorrow in Würzburg, Germany.
Twenty-one of this year's athletes have received organ transplants - including 16 kidneys, one liver, one heart and one pancreas - while three are on dialysis.
"My initial motivation to join the Games was the need for me to lose weight," said Peter Heffernan, a first time competitor.
"However, after taking part in the national games and experiencing the great sense of camaraderie that exists between a similar group of people, it became more than that. You realise your problems are never unique to you," he said.
"Having been sick for a long time, it's a terrific way to say thank you to our donors to whom we are forever grateful," said team captain Michael Dwyer.
The 52-year-old husband and father of two - who takes part in the golf, bowling and mixed doubles badminton competitions - received a kidney transplant in 2002 after being on dialysis for nine months.
"This is an opportunity for the athletes to meet with others who have travelled on a similar journey from 23 different countries," said team manager Colin White.
"They have all experienced organ failure at one time and gained a second chance at life. It is a positive experience for all of them and they gain a lot of support from each other."
He said the Games, which run until September 6th, were "proof of the fact that organ donation works", he said.
The athletes will take part in activities such as track-and-field, swimming, cycling, badminton, table tennis, golf, darts and 10-pin bowling.
The Irish team, which comprises 15 men and 9 women, leaves Ireland at noon today.
The event will be an important trial run for next year's Games, which are due to take place in Ireland.