Before the starting gun even fires, 230 people are already winners at this week’s Transplant Games in Canberra because each competitor is only at the starting line because of organ donors.
This is only the second time Canberra has hosted the Transplant Games, which are even more inspirational than the Paris Olympics and Paralympics because these competitors are running on a pure zest for life.
They are all on the receiving end of a precious second chance at life, plus 30 competitors are living donors and there are 20 donor families. It’s an emotional race but one that every side is cheering for.
On a personal note, my dearest long-term friend of 36 years, James, is still in my life because of two kidney transplants. He just celebrated his 54th birthday thanks to generous organ donors and I thank them.
CEO of the Transplant Games, Chris Thomas, said every single competitor had faced their own mortality.
“They’ve all had a life-threatening liver or kidney or heart condition or lung condition,” Chris said. “They might have been born with cystic fibrosis and they’ve actually had end-stage organs. It’s life-threatening and they’re going to make the most of it and give it all they’ve got.”
The Transplant Games (est. 1988) is meant to be a heart-tugging event because right now, 1,800 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant in Australia. Now is a good time to register as a donor and after you’ve ticked the box, tell your family.
“We know that if you’re registered and you’ve told your family, families are much more likely to support that decision,” Chris said. “When you lose your loved one suddenly, there will always be the occasion where it’s just too traumatic for the family, but if you’ve registered and you’ve told your family, there’s double the chance that families will support donation.”
Australia’s rate of organ donation sits at 20 donors per million people (ahead of Spain and the United States) and we’ve doubled our donation rate in the past 12-14 years.
If you’re seeking motivation, look no further than this week’s Transplant Games because every one of these competitors is a walking, talking motivational speaker.
There will be tears. Some athletes give their gold medal away to a donor family. It’s an emotional marathon in more ways than one.
“It’s all about promoting organ and tissue donation awareness, getting more people to register,” Chris said. “It’s about thanking living donors and donor families and showing that you’re trying to be the best you can be around this precious organ that you’ve been given.
“It’s an opportunity for donor families to come along – they’re not particularly interested in meeting the recipient of their loved ones’ organs but they just want to know that transplant recipients are out there living life to the fullest and enjoying life. It really is the gift that’s on giving.”
About 500 competitors are coming from all over Australia, some travelling from as far as India and Germany. A little closer to home, is nine-year-old Ariana Ford from Canberra.
Ariana’s seven-year-old brother, Sullivan, donated his bone marrow to her when he was just four years old. When they both take to the field this week, it won’t matter who wins.
“It’s a real family opportunity to come together and just celebrate the gift of life and celebrate those extra years,” Chris said.
There will be thousands of extra years of life represented in athletes this week.
On Sunday October 6 there’s a Donate Life fun run (open to everyone) at Rond Terrace. Various sports will be held at the AIS and around Canberra. For more details, visit australiantransplantgames.com
