Warm praise for hosts North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire’s hosting of the 40th British Transplant Games was hailed by officials as“the best Games ever”.

Transplant Sport chairman Andy Eddy and Graham Moore, chairman of event sponsor Westfield Health, both praised the four-day event which saw more than 750 participants and 2000 relatives and supporters take part in 23 sports.

Council leader Jim Logue called the accolade“extremely gratifying”and said:“It’s been an amazing four days with some inspiring moments, and it brings home the importance of organ donation and how it can change and save lives.

“I’m extremely proud of every member of council staff who has been involved, the teams from North Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture NL, and I’d like to thank our sponsors.

“The response from the community has been fantastic, with a huge number of volunteers helping out.”

Several special awards were presented at Sunday’s closing ceremony, with Bristol Adults and Birmingham Children being named best teams.

There was also recognition for members of Team GB&NI at the world transplant games; and for Catharine Hall, the Bristol team manager since 2009 who was taking part in her 33rd consecutive British transplant games.

A formal handover of the Games was then made by Provost Jean Jones to Anne Underwood, mayor of 2018 hosts Birmingham.

Guests at the Ravenscraig closing ceremony were entertained by North Lanarkshire schools’pipe band, The Kicks and X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald.

Mr Eddy had said at the opening ceremony:“Thanks to North Lanarkshire for everything they’ve done.”

He added:“With every single step I take, I’m thinking about my donor and their family. Saving a life is just an incredible thing.”