The man who delivered this year’s British Transplant Games was be the guest speaker at the latest meeting of the City of Newport Business Club.
Club members and guests heard from Yuri Matischen at the Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club.
Mr Matischen is the Managing Director of sports and events company MLS Contracts. The Sheffield-based company, working in partnership with the charity Transplant Sport, have delivered the annual British Transplant Games for the past 11 years, more than doubling the event in size and impact.
The Games were hosted by the city of Newport this summer, attracting thousands of people to an inspirational event.
Mr Matischen was introduced by Ann Lloyd, the chair of the Games’ local organising committee.
During his speech, Mr Matischen talked about the importance of bringing the Games to Newport and to Wales.
Organisers wanted to increase the number of Welsh donor recipients taking part in the Games – and Wales fielded a team of more than 50 competitors compared to its usual participation of five people.
The aim was also to celebrate the Welsh Government’s policy of presumed consent for organ donation. Donation rates in Wales are now at 75 per cent – the highest in the UK.
Mr Matischen also highlighted the emotional and financial impact of the Newport Games.
Many of those who travelled from other parts of the UK were amazed by the high standard of sports facilities in Newport – particularly at the International Sports Village at Spytty.
The economic benefits for Newport of staging the Games totalled at least £1 million with hotels booked out throughout the area and restaurants, cafes and bars doing a roaring trade.
Social media guru Penny Power will be the speaker at the next City of Newport Business Club event on November 7, starting at 5.30pm. The event will be in the Manor Suite at the Celtic Manor and attendees will also enjoy a tour of the newly-opened ICC Wales.
Tickets for our events cost £20 and include a two-course meal. Discounts are available for multiple bookings.
Information about how to become a member or sponsor of the City of Newport Business Club are also available on our website – newportbusinessclub.co.uk
