August 21, 2007 - Toronto, ON - Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) salutes the transplant athletes, volunteers and their families headed to Bangkok for the World Transplant Games that begin this Saturday and is pleased to announce daily updates via a live blog from the TGLN website.
“The World Transplant Games are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation throughout the globe,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “These competitors have come so far since their transplants, it is incredible. That they are able to compete at such phenomenal athletic levels really illustrates the success of transplantation. We are very proud of all of them, wish them the very best of luck and look forward to reading all the details on the live blog hosted from our website.”
Over 34 Canadian transplant recipients will join athletes from around the world in Bangkok to compete, volunteer and support one another this summer.
“Ever since I received my transplant in 1996 I have been able to resume a very active lifestyle," said 34-year old liver recipient Rob Kolatschek from Toronto. "I'm proud be going to Bangkok to participate in the World Transplant Games as an athlete. It shows potential donors and donor families all of the good that can come of their decision to give the gift of life. I’d encourage everyone to speak to your family about your wishes today - your decision can save lives. Every athlete in Bangkok is proof of that."
Kolatschek will be participating in track and field and volleyball events and will be blogging live from the games.
Sports included in the World Transplant Games are: Road racing, archery, volleyball, tennis, petangue, track and field, squash, golf, swimming, shooting, bowling, badminton and table tennis.
The Games run from August 25 - September 2, 2007.
Trillium Gift of Life Network is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved. Sign your donor card. Talk to your family about your wishes.
For more details on the blog (which will be up and running at the start of the Games) or Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit our website or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.
For more information on the World Transplant Games please visit the Games website.
Merv's note:
The World Transplant Games take place every two years where over 1500 athletes representing some 64 countries compete at an extraordinarily high level demonstrating the physical success of transplant surgery and the need to increase organ donation. The 16th World Transplant Games will be held at Bangkok’s Hua Mark Sports Complex, the top sports venue in Thailand. It is located in the compound of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) in Bangkapi District of Bangkok.
Previous Event: Canada 2005 See Photos
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
1 comment:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's very informative. I love to read it and do hope to read your next story.
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