Games on for local heroes
Medals would be nice – but it’s about fun
The British Transplant Games takes place at venues across Lanarkshire from today (Thursday) until Sunday.
We caught up with some of the athletes taking part in the much-anticipated event, with participants wanting to do well for Team Lanarkshire.
Pictured are (left to right): Kirstine Bonner, Robert Bancroft, Ross Broom, William Bell and Mary Bancroft.
Athletes taking part in the British Transplant Games from today (Thursday) want to do well for Team Lanarkshire but say taking part is more important than medals.
The squad taking part in the 2017 Games was unveiled at Strathclyde Park watersports centre on Monday, resplendent in kilts and team polo shirts.
Mother-and-son team Mary and Robert Bancroft are both taking part in darts, bowls and 10-pin bowling.
Robert (45), from Hamilton, said: “It’s about taking part, getting into the spirit of it and having fun. It’s about getting the word out and getting people on to the donor’s list, to get more people to the Transplant Games.”
Mary (66), from Larkhall, said: “It’s just a bit of fun, to get people involved and it’s community spirited.
“It’s not really about medals, it’s about taking part and letting folk know that you’re quite pleased that you have a chance of another life and that the illness hasn’t stopped us from taking part.”
Former Clydesdale Rugby Club player Ross Broom, from Larkhall, who now lives in Law Village, is taking part in shot putt, javelin, discus, swim and track relay.
The 29-year-old said: “It’s handy that it’s in North Lanarkshire, right on my doorstep. I’m a retired rugby player and I’ve had a kidney transplant. There are some things that I can’t do but it’s not about that, it’s about things that I can do.
“If I could still play rugby I would but shot putt and discus is still an explosive, strength-based sport that I can try my best to excel in.”
William Bell (35), from Motherwell, is competing in darts, 3km donor run, 800 relay, long jump, javelin and shot putt.he said: “I’m looking forward to the Games, it’s the highlight of my year, really.
“I spend a lot of time stuck in hospital and all the rest of it, so hopefully I can make a good account of myself and represent the team well. It’s about community spirit, being together and a real team thing.
“It’s about working it as much as you can and try to improve, to try and better yourself a wee bit, rather than letting the disease get on top of you and sitting feeling sorry for yourself.”
Kirstine Bonner (47), from Hamilton, is taking part in the 3km walk and 10-pin bowling but declined to be interviewed, while Elaine Zanjani (55), from Hamilton, who is competing in 10-pin bowling, was unable to attend.
Team leader Karen Casey (50), from Wishaw, said: “We’ve had great support and Organ Donation Scotland have given us £5000 sponsorship, which is something we’re extremely grateful for.”