The Diabetes Federation of Ireland (Diabetes Ireland) has launched a new fundraising initiative aimed at encouraging people to come together in teams to take part in sports events.

TEAM Diabetes Ireland is open to anyone with diabetes and those affected by the condition, such as family and close friends. Teams can take part in any of the various sporting events that take place nationwide, including marathons, triathlons and adventure races.

"The objective of this new initiative is to firstly create a greater experience on the day of the event for those who undertake to fundraise for the charity, but also to build a sense of team identity and a team environment for those who often participate in such events on their own," the federation explained.

Anyone joining this initiative will be introduced to new team mates well in advance of the chosen event to give them a chance to get to know each other and swop tips.

On the day of the event, a team hub and support staff will be available to those taking part. An official team kit is currently in the final stages of design.

According to Rebecca Flanagan, whose daughter has type 1 diabetes, she jumped at the opportunity to join a team and is now set to take part in the Run-A-Muck challenge in Kildare in March.

"These fundraising events do more than just raise money as they allow people on the ground - the diabetes community that deal with this condition every day - to come together, meet new people and to share their experiences," she explained.

Anyone who would like to join a team for any event across the country should contact Gary on (01) 836 30 22 or email gary.brady@diabetes.ie