TORONTO, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Toronto will host more than 200 transplant recipients from Canada, the U.S., Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Australia next month to compete in the eighth Canadian Transplant Games. Since 2000, the Games have been held every two years to shine a spotlight on organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Today in Canada, more than 4,300 men, women and children are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Athletes participating in the Games are living proof that transplants work and organ donation saves lives.
From August 8 – 13 participants aged four to 80 years old will compete in 11 sporting events including: track and field, swimming, golf and tennis. The Games bring together transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters for competition, community and fun, in celebration of the gift of life.
"We're really excited to be able to bring the Games to Toronto", says Sandra Holdsworth, Provincial Director for Ontario, Canadian Transplant Association. "We want to bring attention to the importance of registering for organ and tissue donation and right now, only one in five people in Toronto have made their wishes known. We know Toronto can do better."
Find out how to register consent anywhere in Canada by visiting www.LiveOn.ca.
"This will be my fifth Canadian Transplant Games and I'm looking forward to reuniting with my friends who have gone through the same life-altering experiences as I have," says Kurt Penner, double-lung transplant recipient and 2016 games athlete. "The Games give me a chance to show people that even though I was very sick, that my transplant gave me a second chance at life and I am so thankful for that."
Opening ceremonies for the 2016 Canadian Transplant Games will take place on Monday, August 8 at 7:00 PM at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
For more information, including the schedule of events, visit: games.canadiantransplant.com
The Canadian Transplant Association (CTA) is a registered charity comprised of transplant recipients, donors, donor families, health care professionals and supporters. These volunteers are dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donation through public advocacy, educational programs, and awareness events such as the CTG. The CTA provides a support network for organ transplant recipients before and after transplantation while promoting organ and tissue donation, as more than 4,000 Canadians await a second chance at life.
SOURCE Canadian Transplant Association
Jennifer Long, 416-619-2327, [email protected]
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