Nearly 100 transplant athletes and 10 donors came together in Pretoria for four days of competition, friendship and a powerful celebration of the second chance at life.
Pretoria, South Africa (05 October 2026) – There was plenty of competition at the 16th South African National Transplant Games in Pretoria, but if there was one thing that stood out across the four-day event, it was the sense of community.
Nearly 100 transplant athletes and 10 donor athletes gathered in the Jacaranda City, with old friends reunited and new friendships formed as participants celebrated life through sport.
Hosted by the South African Transplant Sports Association (SATSA), the Games featured athletes competing across 12 sporting codes, with ages ranging from children to competitors in their 70s and 80s.
For SATSA Executive Secretary Jan Marais, the growing number of newcomers was one of the highlights of this year’s event.
“We were honoured to have had many first-time participants this year. That was very exciting. Our organisation is growing and that means we can reach more people,” Marais said.
The action began with cycling and road running at the Gerotek testing facility, while golfers, tennis and squash players took to the courses and courts at Woodhill Country Club. Swimming, table tennis, badminton, darts and ten-pin bowling were also on the programme.
Pétanque, meanwhile, attracted around 40 players. The French-born sport may not be the first one that comes to mind when thinking about South African sport, but transplant athletes are helping establish it locally.
The track and field events at Pilditch Athletic Stadium on Saturday brought athletes and supporters together, with spectators providing plenty of vocal support from the stands.
But while medals and qualification standards were part of the weekend, the Games are about much more than sporting achievement.
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That gratitude was given an even more visible platform this year, with living donors once again able to participate alongside transplant recipients.
“Allowing donors to participate was the best decision we have had in the last few years. Transplant recipients are all in agreement that we should expand donor participation as they are the true heroes.”
The Games also provide an important platform for SATSA to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation, encouraging potential donors to register their wishes and, crucially, discuss them with their families.
For those chasing selection, the journey is far from over. Athletes who reached the required qualification standards will enter a re-qualification process, with the national team set to be finalised in December ahead of the 2027 World Transplant Games in Leuven, Belgium.
Marais says the association will also continue looking for sponsorship to help athletes financially as they work towards their goal of representing South Africa on the international stage.
As the athletes now turn their attention to that next challenge, the message from Pretoria remains bigger than sport. And that’s to celebrate life, honour those who made it possible, and give others the chance to experience the same second chance.
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