A team of Irish athletes jetted off to Hungary today to take part in the Fourth European Transplant and Dialysis Games.
Out of the team of 26 athletes, 22 people have received kidney, heart or liver transplants, and four are undergoing dialysis.
Captain of the Irish team, Michael Dwyer, from Dublin's Cabinteely, a kidney transplant recipient, said the preparation for the Games helps boost fitness levels for people with transplants.
"We have athletes from all over the country, 26 in all. We have the people who will be on dialysis who are waiting on a transplant, people who have gotten a transplant," Mr Dwyer said.
Over 20 countries are taking part in the Games which are being held in Pecs, Hungary from today until next Sunday.
The Irish team is hoping to replicate its success in the Games in Slovenia two-years ago when Ireland was placed third overall on the medals table.
The event was set up to give hope to those suffering from organ failure, as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle amongst kidney patients and those already helped through organ transplantation.
The Irish team ranges in age from 24 to 65-years and includes 10 women and 16 men. The team will be competing under various age categories in a range of events including track and field, swimming, cycling, bowling, darts, volleyball, tennis, table-tennis and badminton.
Team Ireland manager, Colin White, said: "Ireland has fared exceptionally well in the previous Games and this year we hope to continue this success as our current panel of 26 have been preparing for many months now.
"What we mostly look forward to is building friendships with people from all over Europe and enjoying the comradeship and positive spirit that the Games bring".
Mr White said: "Sport plays a vital role in the well-being of both transplant and dialysis patients both on a physical and emotional level. We hope that our involvement will help heighten awareness about organ donation".