The Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team is preparing to make history at the 25th World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, from Saturday, 17 August to Saturday, 24 August 2025.

This year marks a significant milestone as Northern Ireland will compete for the first time as a standalone member country of the World Transplant Games Federation.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons hosted a special reception for the team at Parliament Buildings, celebrating their upcoming participation. At the last World Transplant Games in Australia in 2023, only three athletes from Northern Ireland had the opportunity to compete, as part of Team GB. This summer, the contingent travelling to Dresden will comprise 22 transplanted athletes, 5 living donors, and 3 medical and coaching staff. Speaking at the reception, Minister Lyons said: "It is great to welcome the Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team to Parliament Buildings ahead of what is a big summer for the team. This summer’s Games will be the first time transplant athletes from here can compete to represent Northern Ireland in its own right. This is another example of the benefits of being active and participating in sport, especially in the rehabilitation and quality of life of those who have received a transplant. It further highlights that sport and physical activity is for everyone, and being a recipient of a transplant does not mean that you can no longer enjoy sport. I hope that the Northern Ireland team’s participation at the World Transplant Games helps promote that message."

Orla Smyth, Team Manager for the NI Transplant Games Team, expressed her pride: "I am honoured to be the Team Manager for the first ever standalone Northern Ireland team competing in the World Transplant Games in Dresden this August. Our athletes have all been putting in the hard work over the last year to be as prepared as they can to compete in their chosen sport on a global stage."

Ms. Smyth also highlighted the profound message behind their participation: "Their ability to do so is down to the courage and generosity of organ donors and their families. This event allows us to showcase the life-changing benefits of organ donation and the opportunity to thank organ donors on a global stage. We hope that the visibility of our transplanted athletes encourages people to talk to their loved ones about organ donation and the legacy that can be left from the decision to register as an organ donor."

The team will compete across 17 sports at the international multi-sport event, which brings together transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from over 60 countries to celebrate the gift of life and raise awareness for organ donation.