Launceston is getting ready to welcome more than 500 participants from across Australia and international for the 18th Australian Transplant Games, with the city already rolling out the carpet ahead of the Opening Ceremony this weekend.
A group of Australian Transplant Games competitors were out and about in Launceston today, meeting with Tasmanian Minister for Tourism and Events, the Honourable Roger Jaensch, and getting in some final practice ahead of a week of sport, community and celebration.
The group also took the opportunity to try their hand at pétanque, one of 17 sports being contested throughout the Games.
Chris Thomas, Transplant Australia CEO said;
“It’s fantastic to see Launceston already getting behind the Australian Transplant Games and welcoming our participants. The Games are about so much more than sport – they’re a chance for our transplant community to come together, celebrate the gift of life. We’re looking forward to an incredible week in Tasmania and to sharing the Games with the local Launnie community.”
For many participants, the Australian Transplant Games are about much more than competition. They provide an opportunity for transplant recipients, living donors and their families and supporters to come together, celebrate the gift of life and connect with others who understand their journey.
The 2026 Games will be held across Launceston from 26 September to 3 October, marking the first time Tasmania has hosted the Australian Transplant Games in almost 40 years.
With participants ranging in age from children through to competitors in their 80s, the Games showcase what is possible following transplantation, while celebrating the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families.
The week will feature 17 sports, including pétanque, athletics, swimming, tennis, lawn bowls and cycling, as well as a number of community events.
The Games will officially get underway on Sunday 27 September with the DonateLife 5km Fun Run, followed by the Parade and Opening Ceremony.
