24 Irish athletes heading to World Transplant Games in South Africa

24 Irish athletes are jetting off to South Africa later to compete in the World Transplant Games.

The event, which represents a celebration of life and promotes organ donation, will see over 1,000 athletes compete from over 50 different countries.

Team Ireland's squad ranges in age from 12 to 68, all of whom have received organ transplants including pancreas, heart, liver and kidney.

"These people have had very bad health. They've received the gift of life, and they know how to appreciate it," said Team Manager Colin White.

"That really makes the atmosphere there electric, because the appreciation of what they have is a lot deeper than the average Joe in the street, because they came so close to losing everything."