Transplant Games joins Gold Coast sporting events calendar

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate today announced that the Gold Coast will host the 2018 Australian Transplant Games.

The announcement coincided with the launch of DonateLife Week which runs from July 30 to August 6.

Recognised as one of Australia’s most inspirational sporting events, the Australian Transplant Games aims to demonstrate the ‘living proof’ that organ and tissue donation saves lives.

Mr Dick said Queensland Health was contributing $330,000 towards the 2018 Transplant Games.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be the State Government Partner of the Australian Transplant Games,” he said.

“One organ and tissue donor can save or improve the lives of 10 or more people. It’s one of the most important and precious gifts a person can give.

“Many of the participants in these Games celebrate their second chance at life by showcasing just how far they’ve come after a life-changing transplant.

“It’s a fantastic event that promotes the benefits of becoming an organ and tissue donor.

“It’s events such as the Transplant Games that bring light to an important issue in our community and potentially allows Queensland to increase registrations for organ and tissue donation.”

Comprising more than 20 sports, the Transplant Games range from high exertion sports such as athletics and swimming through to sports such as ten pin bowling and table tennis.

The Transplant Games will be held from September 30 to October 6 at internationally renowned venues including the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Gold Coast Athletics Centre and Gold Coast Cycling Centre.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the announcement was proof that “legacy starts now”.

“I am committed to achieving legacy outcomes from the Commonwealth Games both before, and after, April 2018,” he said.

“To ensure our city’s facilities are well utilised, we need to step up to the mark as a lifestyle and sporting city.

“The Australian Transplant Games is a great opportunity to demonstrate what we can achieve on the coast – and showcase our city at the same time.’’

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas said Transplant Australia was committed to working with Queensland Health and the Organ and Tissue Authority to promote the importance of registering for organ and tissue donation.

“Our number one goal is to give more Australians access to the lifesaving benefits of transplantation,” he said.

“Last year was a record year for donation in Australia, with a total of 503 Australians donating their organs which led to life-saving transplants for 1447 Australians.”

The Australian Transplant Games are held every two years and medal winners proceed to the World Transplant Games.

The Australian Transplant Games will attract transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and their supporters from all across Australia and up to 10 other countries.

Transplant Australia expects up to 1000 people will converge on the Gold Coast for the Games. This includes transplant physicians and nurses who volunteer their services at the Games and importantly get to witness the success of their work.

The Games will be returning to the Gold Coast and Queensland for the third time after the national games were held there in 2002 and the World Transplant Games in 2009.

ENDS

Health Minister media contact: Emma McBryde 0447 155 332

Transplant Australia Communications Manager: Jessica Younan 0401 206 402

Mayor Tom Tate media contact: Warwick Sinclair 5581 5225