The British Transplant Games
Founded 40 years ago, the British Transplant Games aim to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and express gratitude towards organ donors and their families, and honour their selfless contributions to the lives of the participants.
It is a yearly, four-day sporting event that celebrates life, donors, and transplants. The games are organized by Transplant Sport and take place in different host town or cities every Summer, the games involve teams from hospitals and some other organ donation charities across the UK come together to compete.
The games aim to:
Encourage transplant recipients to lead active lifestyles
Raise awareness of the need for organ donation
Show appreciation for donors and their families
They include over 25 sports, such as cycling, football, tennis, snooker, squash, volleyball, basketball, darts, badminton, netball, 10 pin bowling, and track and field athletics.
There is a very special event called ‘The Donor Run’ which is 3km or 5km and takes place to remember all of your donors and their families
There is also a social side to the Games. They allow recipients to meet and share experiences from others who have had similar experiences. Similarly, parents and children as well as other family and friends can meet others who have been in similar situations waiting for the call that will save the live of their loved one and form a support network.
If competing at sport is not for you, don't be put off - there are far more benefits to recipients than a medal! The games are very inclusive and encourage recipients of all abilities to participate. Yes, one of the aims is to encourage activity to improve the quality of life but also acknowledge that for recipients, ongoing physical fitness depends many factors post transplant and we all have our our mountain to climb!
Coming along, having fun, meeting everyone and being part of the celebration of our new lives are the most important parts!