Launceston came alive this weekend as the transplant community kicked off the 2026 Australian Transplant Games with a vibrant DonateLife Fun Run, a colourful Parade through City Park, and a moving Opening Ceremony at Albert Hall – marking the first time in the event’s 40-year history that Tasmania has hosted the Games.
After a chilly morning start, the sun broke through just in time for the race, delivering perfect spring conditions for the DonateLife Fun Run at Inveresk Precinct. A mix of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and supporters laced up for the ATG 5km Warrior Road Race, the DonateLife 5km Fun Run and the Kids Dash. The atmosphere in the Warm Up Zone was electric, with music, laughter and cheering families creating the perfect start to Games week.
By early afternoon, the energy shifted to City Park for the ATG26 Parade, where a sea of colour filled the grounds as State Teams marched behind their banners, and Donor Families and Living Donors walked proudly in their State colours. Spectators lined the parade route in the sunshine, cheering on competitors of all ages – from young children to octogenarians – as they made their way toward Albert Hall.
The Parade led into a warm and celebratory Opening Ceremony, officially welcoming Games participants to Launceston and to Tasmania.
The ceremony featured a beautiful performance from Launceston singer CJ Jones, and was attended by an impressive line-up of dignitaries who came out to show their support for the transplant community, including Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania; The Hon Rebecca White MP, Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care, Indigenous Health & Women; The Honourable Roger Jaensch MP, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Racing, and Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events; Matthew Garwood, Mayor of Launceston; and Mr Oren Klemich, Advisory Board Member, Organ and Tissue Authority.
Their attendance reflects the significance of the Games not just as a sporting event, but as a powerful platform for raising awareness of organ and tissue donation – and a proud moment for Tasmania as it welcomes hundreds of visitors from across Australia and overseas.
With the Fun Run, Parade and Opening Ceremony now behind them, competitors turn their attention to a packed week of competition across 17 sports, all in celebration of the extraordinary gift of life that brought them here.
Yesterday was a powerful reminder of the importance of organ and tissue donation and the impact it can have on so many lives.
Register as a donor today at www.donatelife.gov.au and, most importantly, share your decision with your family.
Find out more about the 2026 Australian Transplant Games at australiantransplantgames.com.
