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October 2006
The games that save lives
When the 10th Australian Transplant Games kick off in Geelong this year, Transplant Australias CEO Mark Cocks knows that hes got one week to get out a vital message about a second chance of life.
We have approximately 3,500 people waiting for an organ or tissue transplant today and the Games have proven to be the most successful way yet to reach the general public and raise the awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donation, said Mr Cocks.
The facts are clear. In the year of the Transplant Games, during the following months, there is a profound increase in donors but, the following year shows a marked decrease in organ donors. The Australian Transplant Games take place every second year.
The Games show the public that transplantation is extremely successful and transplant recipients are able to get back to a normal life and excel in sports at a very high level and while the Games are more about participation than winning, the competition gets tough. When you are given a second chance at life, you dont hold back.
The Games also provide an avenue for donor families and transplant families to meet and mix socially; for donor families this can be a very cathartic experience. For transplant families it is an opportunity to express their gratitude to the donor families, said Mr Cocks.
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Throughout the Games, every day will tell a different story of hope and achievement but one of the most moving events and anticipated highlights of the Games will be the street parade and opening ceremony when donor families are honoured and walk with the competitors in a show of support and understanding for each other.
The identity of the donor is protected by state government officers and it is rare that the families meet.
The Games consist of sporting and recreational events including swimming, athletics, bowling, tennis, table tennis, rowing, squash, badminton, volleyball, cycling, chess, backgammon and a mini marathon.
To be eligible to compete, a competitor must be currently on dialysis or have received one of the following transplants: heart, heart-lung, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, small or large intestine, corneal or bone marrow.
Geelong Grammar will become the Games Village and sporting venues throughout Geelong will include Landy Field, Norlane Pool, the Barwon River, Corio Leisure Centre, Market Square, Costa Hall and the Geelong foreshore.
Transplant Australia will celebrate the 10 anniversary of the Australian Transplant Games in Geelong from September 16 to 23, 2006.
WWW.transplant.org.au and follow links to Transplant Games.
Released by Transplant Australia
For further details please contact Irene Lau PR
T 03 9531 3919, M 0419 332 900, E irenelau@bigpond.com.au
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