Launch of 2013 Transplant Games in Sheffield

The 2013 British Transplant Games have been officially launched in Sheffield.

Hundreds of competitors who have had life-saving organ transplant surgery will take part in the four-day event next 15-18 August.

Sheffield previously hosted the games in 2008, and organisers said it prompted more than 20,000 people in South Yorkshire to become organ donors.

Lynne Holt of Transplant Sport UK said: "None of our athletes would be alive without that amazing gift of life."

Table tennis player David Wetherill, who competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, was at the launch at Sheffield's Winter Garden on Wednesday.

"Sheffield's such a great city for sport, I'm looking forward to coming and seeing all the kids in action and everyone else."

About 100 competitors took part in the first British Transplant Games in 1978 in Portsmouth.

Now more than 600 compete at the annual event which is held to raise awareness of organ donation.