The countdown to the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia has begun and the South African Transplant Sports Association shared which sports our teams will take part in.
South Africa (07 February 2023) – There are ten weeks to go until the Official World Transplant Games begin. This year’s event will be taking place in Perth, Australia. The South African team is getting excited to take part and hopefully bring home a few medals too.
57 South African athletes will be heading to the games this year to fly the flag high. These men and women not only represent our country, but also the meaning of being an organ donor. They are the recipients of organs, bone marrow and tissues which have given each of them the second chance at life. They honour that chance, by living life to its fullest.
“It sets the stage to demonstrate the improved quality of life following transplantation and through that, promote awareness about organ donation and transplantation on the international stage. This is also an opportunity for transplanted athletes to show their gratitude towards living donors and families of deceased donors.
This is a “Celebration of New Life” where athletes who have received solid organ and bone marrow transplants will compete in 13 different sports events over a week of fierce competition with over 1500 athletes from more than 60 nations” – Jan Marais, Executive Secretary.
It is an event that makes us all proud and we cannot wait to see how our 57 athletes do. We will be sure to cover the event here on Good Things Guy when the time comes.
Our athletes will take part in the following sporting codes at the World Transplant Games:
- 5km Road Race
- Badminton
- Cycling
- Darts
- Golf
- Lawn Bowls
- Petanque
- Squash
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Ten Pin Bowling
- Tennis
- Track and Field Athletics
The South African Transplant Sports Association (SATSA) launched a raffle last year to raise funds for the athletes that will be sent to represent South Africa. They managed to sell 857 raffle tickets and raised over R85,000 – a massive help towards getting the team overseas. Should you wish to help in any way or find more information, you can check out the website here.
Another way you can support the team is by registering as an organ donor here. It may not help today, but one day you may be able to save several lives.
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