Irish Badminton Players Clinched Gold Medals at Transplant Games
09/12/2009
The 17th World Transplant Games in Gold Coast Australia is coming to a close but for the Irish badminton team, this is a good thing since they are anticipating a hero’s welcome when they go back to their country, thanks to the gold medal performances they made in this prestigious sporting competition.
Dublin-based Deirdre Faul and Donegal-native Vienna White won their individual gold medals in their respective age events. To sweeten up their victory, they teamed up to win the women’s doubles title as well.
Colin White, the team’s manager, said that the duo provided their best performance in the competition. He was happy to note that despite the competitive nature in the badminton events, his players managed to beat the odds and went all the way to victory, thanks to their new yonex badminton rackets. He added that it was a great day for the Irish team.
Faul dominated the badminton courts when she added two more gold medals for the team. This simply pumped up the rest of the Irish team to give their best element in other events later this week.
The Transplant Games aims to celebrate the gift of life. More than fifty countries have sent their athletes to compete and at the same time form a camaraderie that will last a lifetime.
Most, if not all the players taking part in the competitions, have extended their lives after transplant operations have been done on them. For the Irish team, thirteen of its players received new kidneys, five got new livers and one got a kidney and pancreas.
White said that athletes are appreciating every day because it is an extension of their life following the successful transplant surgery. Their gold medal performances are their way of thanking those who helped them achieve their full potentials.
