"We are reasonably confident that our bid will be accepted, " said team manager Colin White. "As far as we know, Poland was the only other country going for it, and they pulled out when they heard we were bidding. We have a long-standing history in both the world games and the European games and to bring the event here would be just fantastic."

Established in 1978, the World Transplant Games were set up to give patients a goal for keeping fit and healthy and to spread awareness about the positive effects of organ donation. Although the event was originally held every two years because of the below-average life expectancy of participants, this is no longer an issue, with athletes in their 70s taking part.

"This year, we have 23 athletes taking part in the games, in sports such as track and field, swimming, tennis, squash, golf, cycling and petanque, " said White. "At the end-stage of organ failure, patients are extremely ill, so to see them performing at the games is outstanding."