Diabetes Ireland Releases

Niall Quinn met with the team to offer tips and advice on preparing for international tournament football

For the first time ever, a Republic of Ireland team of children with Type 1 diabetes between the ages of 8 and 12 years will be representing their country at the Diabetes Junior World Cup.  The tournament, now in its sixth year, will see over 130 children with Type 1 diabetes from 12 countries travelling to the Olympic Stadium in Lausanne,Switzerland in late August to participate in a 7 –a –side competition. 

Niall Quinnmet up with the team at their latest training session and offered plenty of tips and advice on how to prepare for international tournament football and presented each player with their Irish jersey. “It is every child’s dream to represent their country and this is a fantastic opportunity for these players to live that dream” said Niall.     

At the finals, the players will get the opportunity to meet children with Type 1 diabetes from a range of other countries, meet sporting celebrities with diabetes, learn how to manage their condition in a competitive environment, see how children from other countries manage their condition and most importantly see that they are not alone in having Type 1 diabetes.

The Irish players were selected following pre-trials to which over 80 children from all over the country recently attended in DalymountPark. The team, led by Coach Sean Francis, ex League of Ireland footballer, include players from nine different counties. “I am delighted to be involved in this initiative and I am looking forward to the tournament. The team are training over the summer months and I am sure they will give a good account of themselves at the finals” said Sean.

Diabetes Ireland, CEO Kieran O’Leary said “living with type 1 diabetes is not easy and we are delighted to be able to provide this unique, positive experience for these players and their families.  It is our firm intention to be involved in this event for many years to come offering more and more children with diabetes the opportunity to participate in this event”.

Type 1 diabetes is the most widespread chronic disease in children, accounting for over 90% of diabetes cases in children. It is an auto-immune disease for which there is no preventive therapy. Type 1 diabetes is on the increase, with an alarming annual growth rate of 5% in pre-school children and 3% in school children and adolescents.

Susan Cleary of Medtronic, organisers of the tournament said “The main objective of the tournament is to offer young people with diabetes and their parents a unique opportunity to learn better diabetes management and to share experiences with friends while having fun playing football”.

For further information contact Kate Moran, Diabetes Ireland on 01 8363022 or email kate.moran@diabetes.ie

About Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and is far less common that Type 2 diabetes.  There are about 3,500 children and adolescents 19 years and younger inIreland.  Type 1 diabetes can be particularly difficult to manage, because the body does not produce any insulin.

About the Junior Cup

The Junior Cup Diabetes is organised by Medtronic, a world leader in medical technology for diabetes management, in collaboration with various international partners wishing to bring their support to this initiative.

The finals will be held on Saturday, August 25 to Sunday August 26 2012, starting at 9 a.m., at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Route des Plaines du Loup 7, Lausanne, Switzerland

About Diabetes Ireland

Diabetes Ireland is the national charity dedicated to providing support, education and motivation to all people affected by diabetes. DiabetesIrelandalso raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds research into diabetes.