Sintons’ staff play their role in World Transplant Games

Two members of staff at Sintons have been selected to play a role in the World Transplant Games, the globally-significant event which is being held in the North East later this month.

Iona Sweeney has been invited to be an official for two days of athletics and Amy Carlton has been chosen as a volunteer, to help support the thousands of participants and spectators from 60 countries around the world who will travel to Newcastle Gateshead for the prestigious event.

The Games, which run from August 17 to 23, will see a number of events held in venues across the region, including St James’ Park, Close House, the Eagles Community Arena, Sunderland Aquatic Centre and Gateshead Stadium.

Iona, a secretary at Sintons, combines her legal role with her position as club secretary for Gateshead Harriers and is also a registered UK Athletics Official. She will be officiating during the athletics on August 20 and 21, at Gateshead Stadium, the home of the Harriers.

Iona, who was also involved in the British Transplant Games held in the region in 2015, has volunteered with the Harriers for more than five years and was recognised for her efforts last year with the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero award for her work, particularly with disabled athletes.

She said: “This is a huge honour to be invited to officiate at such a prestigious occasion, which provides a platform for so many amazing, inspirational athletes from around the world, who have overcome so much to reach global heights in their chosen sport. I am absolutely delighted to be involved, and the fact my events are taking place at Gateshead Stadium, the home of my beloved Gateshead Harriers, makes this fantastic opportunity even more special.”

Both Iona and Amy, a debt recovery manager with the firm, have been able to use time from Sintons’ CSR bank of 80 volunteering days to take part in the Games.

The World Transplant Games provide a forum for people whose lives have been changed by receiving a transplant, and whose determination and sporting prowess has led to them now competing in sport on a global stage.

The event also plays a vital role in raising awareness of organ donation – currently in the UK, there are more than 6,000 people on the transplant waiting list, including around 150 children and teenagers, with three people on average dying each day who could have benefited from an organ transplant.

Mark Quigley, managing partner of Sintons, said: “The World Transplant Games is a huge and prestigious event and it is a real coup for Newcastle Gateshead to be chosen as the venue, only four years after successfully hosting the British Transplant Games. We are delighted to have Iona and Amy playing a role in this fantastic occasion, which will again project the North East onto a global stage.

“At Sintons, we are committed to giving back to our local community, and appreciate the positive role a business like ours can and should play in benefitting local people and causes. We are very pleased that Iona and Amy can attend the Games using time from Sintons CSR time bank, through which we assign 80 days each year to volunteering. This will be a very memorable occasion for everyone involved, and we wish Iona and Amy the best of luck in their respective roles.”