The World Transplant Games

to further embrace the unique contribution of donors

The World Transplant Games Federation announced today that it will embrace donor families and living donors at the World Transplant Games by introducing a new competition exclusively for those who have helped give the gift of life.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the World Transplant Games Federation, donor families and living donors will be invited to take part in a select array of sporting events to help recognise their contribution.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the World Transplant Games Federation, donor families and living donors will be invited to take part in a select array of sporting events to help recognise their contribution.
The World Transplant Games Federation was officially formed in 1987 following the staging of the first World Transplant Games in 1978.
Since then 20 World Summer Transplant Games have taken place and the Federation has grown to almost 70 member countries.

The next World Transplant Games, the 21st time the Games have taken place, will be held from June 25 to July 2 in 2017 in Malaga, Spain.
Each World Transplant Games has recognised donors in its own unique way however donor families and living donors have always been spectators on the sideline to the competition.

Federation President Chris Thomas said the 30th anniversary was an ideal opportunity to embrace all those who made the gift of life possible.

“For 30 years now we have demonstrated to the public that transplant recipients can return to a healthy and fulfilling life. As the World Games continues to evolve there are new opportunities and objectives,” Mr Thomas said.

“The World Transplant Games Federation has always proudly showcased what can be achieved by individuals post-transplant. Through the introduction of these exclusive events for living donors we want to embrace the opportunity to showcase what can be achieved by individuals post-donation and thereby encourage people to consider living donation to help a loved one or family member.”

“Equally transplantation would not exist without deceased donors and their families who supported their loved one’s decision or consented to donation. As a token of our appreciation we are inviting donor families to come to the World Transplant Games, celebrate their loved one’s gift, and take part in a special competition.”

Donor families and living donors who have registered for the Games will be able to take part in one or more of the following events:

5km road race
50 metre freestyle swim
100 metre athletics sprint
Ball throw at the athletics
Long jump at the athletics

The Federation will produce a special 30th anniversary ‘thank you’ medallion for all winners while there will be two awards for the donor family member (The Greatest Gift Award) and living donor (The Greatest Gift Living Donor Award) respectively who totals the highest points by participating in all events.

These awards will be given out at the Gala Dinner of the World Transplant Games on Saturday, July 2, 2017. The Federation will call for nominations for the naming of these awards.

Mr Thomas said a recent survey of transplant recipients worldwide had overwhelmingly voted for greater recognition of donors at the World Transplant Games.

“This is a positive way to help celebrate the contribution of donors while at the same time keeping the integrity of the recipients’ competition intact. Donors will be taking part separately which we hope will enable all recipients at the games to pause and cheer on the people who made the gift of life possible,” Mr Thomas said.
The Federation has also introduced two new sports permanently at the World Transplant Games. From next year, darts and 3 on 3 basketball will be added to the week-long event.

The Malaga Local Organising Committee will also stage two optional sports – padel and kayaking at the Games.

Kind Regards
Chris Thomas
President
The World Transplant Games Federation