Transplant Games launch

The 16^th Australian Transplant Games were launched today, with less than a month to go until the action on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the games are open to organ and tissue transplant recipients, those on dialysis, donor families, living donors and supporters.

“The Transplant Games are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the ongoing story of organ donation long after the scars have healed,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage all Queenslanders to have a conversation with your loved ones and register to be an organ and tissue donor today.

“In 2017, 105 organ donors in Queensland saved the lives of 297 Australian’s, with a further 23 lives saved by living kidney donors.

“Almost 80 per cent of Queenslanders say they would donate their organs, but only 28 per cent have registered their decision.

“You have the power to make a difference and to save lives through opting in for donation.”

The Queensland Government have provided Transplant Australia with a $400,000 sponsorship toward the 2018 Australian Transplant Games operational costs.

Minister for Sport Mick De Brenni said the Queensland Government is pleased to be the Platinum Sponsor for these games.

“We’re expecting more than 700 people to take part in this event,” he said.

“These athletes have been given the gift of life, and this competition will promote registration for organ donation, and Queensland’s success in transplant technology.

“The Games prove that organ donation not only saves lives, but gives people the chance to live a healthy and long life.”

Transplant Australia’s CEO Chris Thomas is thrilled four Olympians have agreed to become Australian Transplant Games ambassadors to spread the message of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

“Each of our Ambassadors have been inspired to get behind the Games and we look forward to showing them what transplant recipients can do in the field and pool with their second chance at life.”

DonateLife QLD State Medical Director Dr Leo Nunnink said it was great to see the Transplant Games come to Queensland, showcasing the amazing second chance at life that donors give to their recipients.

“The Games really give recipients the chance to say thanks to donor families in the best possible way, by showing them that they are now living a great life and enjoying every gifted day,” Dr Nunnink said.

“I encourage more Queenslander’s to register their organ donation decision and potentially save more lives, because we know that nine out of ten families will consent to donation going ahead if their loved one is officially registered.

“We also know that figure drops to four out of ten families consenting if they don’t know their loves one’s decision, so registering at www.donatelife.gov.au is vital to saving lives.”

The biennial Australian Transplant Games will be held on the Gold Coast from 30 September to 6 October 2018. For more information, visit https://australiantransplantgames.com/.

Register to become an organ donor at donatelife.gov.au.

ENDS

 Media: Katharine Wright 0422 580 342