The 17th Australian Transplant Games officially opened on Tuesday, 1 October 2024 in the beautiful blooms of Floriade.
The Opening Ceremony began with a stunning parade of transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families, cheered on by supporters and the public. Leading the procession was altruistic kidney donor, Gordon Rutty, and the Gift of Life Guardians, who rode motorbikes from the Gold Coast to Canberra to deliver the Australian Transplant Games flag. As the parade came to an end, a guard of honour was formed to celebrate and pay tribute to the donor families and living donors who made the decision to give the ultimate gift of life.
During the official proceedings attendees were treated to inspiring speeches from The Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Kieren Perkins OAM, Transplant Australia’s Chair Professor Petrina Coventry and CEO Chris Thomas. They were joined on stage by ACT bone marrow recipient Kate Rea and kidney recipient Nigel Goldsworthy who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his transplant.
A highlight of the ceremony was the performance of ‘Because of You’ by singer-songwriter Rose Parker. Rose captured everyone in the audience, sharing the story of her late brother Tim who became an organ donor and her journey that inspired her incredible song.
The morning was filled with sunshine, laughter, and gratitude—a perfect reflection of the spirit of the Australian Transplant Games.
Now in full swing, nearly 500 competitors are representing their states across 19 different sports, ranging from lawn bowls and pétanque to athletics and cycling. The Games provide an opportunity for both elite and recreational athletes to compete on a national stage, encouraging transplant recipients to improve their health and fitness while showcasing the life-changing benefits of organ donation.
This is just the second time the Games have been held in Canberra. This year the Australian transplant community has been joined by transplant athletes from New Zealand, India and Germany. The Games promote the important message that transplantation saves lives – and every Australian can leave a legacy by registering as an organ and tissue donor.
The theme and call to action of this year’s Games is ‘give the gift of tomorrow, register as a donor today’.
Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas, said with almost 1,800 Australians now waiting for a transplant it was crucial we promoted the positive message of the lives saved through the gift of life.
“Every Australian can make a difference by registering as a donor. It takes just one minute but has the potential to give some with end-stage organ failure a gift that allows them to start planning their tomorrow,” Mr Thomas said.
“Transplant Australia is committed to improving the lives of those waiting and those who have received a transplant and is proud to work with Federal and State Governments to achieve our shared vision for Australia in donation and transplantation.”
The Organ & Tissue Authority is the Official Partner of the Australian Transplant Games.
To register as donor, visit www.donatelife.gov.au