British team top medal earner at World Transplant Games

After Olympics and Paralympics success... Team GB tops the medal table at the World Transplant Games

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Exactly one year after the storming success of Team GB at last summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, another team from these shores was raising the bar even further.  

This time it was the Great Britain and NI transplant team who stormed to the top of the World Transplant Games medal table.  

Held in Durban, with over 55 countries represented from around the world, Team GB & NI topped the medal table with 114 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze medals, which blew away all other nations including USA, Australia and hosts South Africa.

The Games were a congregation of transplanted athletes from the world over. The competition was open to anyone who has undergone a major organ transplant such as hearts, lungs, kidneys, livers or bone marrow.

World beaters: Athletes, including swimmer Liam Barnett (far left), show off their individual honours

Athletes took part in sports across all disciplines, including athletics, swimming, badminton, tennis, squash, cycling and volleyball. The Games are open to all ages, and aim to celebrate life and the possibilities of life after transplantation.

One of the major forces within the team GB medal machine was the swimming team, which filled the medal vacuum created by the nations swimmers at the World Champs in Barcelona. In total, the swimming team came away with 58 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze medals.

What is even more impressive is that 16 adult world records were set during the two days of swimming. In fact, seven of those world records came from Liam Barnett, a liver recipient who claimed seven gold medals from seven events after receiving his new organ just two years ago. For his efforts Liam was awarded with the Outstanding Male Athlete Award, presented when the Games had come to a close. 

'The Games are a fantastic opportunity to show the world what is possible after transplantation, and I hope that I have inspired others to make the most of life,' the 26-year-old said. 

In the junior girls category, a similar success story was mirrored by kidney recipient Nicole Mackenzie. The 15-year-old 

claimed seven Golds and seven world records in the pool, and was awarded with the Outstanding Junior Girl Award for the Games.

Love game: Members of the Team GB ladies tennis team are all smiles in Durban, South Africa

Another sport that saw GB dominance was the badminton. One of the leading badminton stars was John Tibbutt, a 36-year-old Kidney patient from Histon, who claimed three gold medals in the 30-39 age singles, doubles and mixed doubles. He also picked up a bronze in the squash. John had been given his second chance by a kidney donated to him by his mum. 

John said: 'It is very hard to show your appreciation to those who have saved your life, but competing at the World Transplant Games is a way to show that you are making the most of your second chance”. 

Meanwhile, Team GB also lit up the competition in the track and field events, winning 29 golds, 28 silvers and 13 bronze medals. A total of 70 medals; 21 more medals than their closet rivals, the South Africans. 

The World Transplant Games in Durban excelled in its aim of showing the possibilities of life after transplantation. But another aim of the Games is to increase awareness and those signing up to the Organ Donor register. 

All good things come to an end: Triumphant athletes take part in the Games' closing ceremony

It is constantly reported that people are signing up, but not quickly enough and many patients die on the waiting list. Mike Dorricott, a liver recipient who won gold in golf said: 'What Transplant patients do in the games is a great advert for what the NHS does. You always hear of the negative aspects of the NHS, but without it, none of us GB & NI transplant athletes would be here in Durban'. 

All those involved in team GB & NI transplant team are passionate about encouraging people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register and discuss their wishes with their family. 

To register, call 0300 123 23 23, text SAVE to 84118 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2397166/World-Transplant-Games-Team-GB-NI-tops-medal-table.html#ixzz2cYR6NblW 
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Irish team returns from World Transplant Games with 34 medals

As athletes from 55 countries return home from the 19th World Transplant Games in South Africa officials are busy planning for the  20th World Transplant Games, Mar del Plata, Argentina 2015:

Start Date 30th Aug 2015

End Date 5th Sep 2015

World Transplant games are held every 2 years and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the hope that is behind every transplant. They provide organ transplant recipients with an opportunity to show that organ donation and transplants work and that it is possible to return to a normal healthy life and participate in sports after a transplant. The games have a global impact on raising organ donation awareness. Congratulations to the Irish athletes and to the participants from 54 other countries for their amazing achievement at this year's games.  

 Click here for complete list of World Transplant Games results

Thejournal.ie

IRISH ATHLETES DID us proud at the World Transplant Games this week, winning a total of 34 medals – 12 of them gold.

In total, the team members won an impressive 12 gold medals, 10 silver and 12 bronze.

The 24 athletes arrived home today from the 19th World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa, with an impressive haul of 34 medals as well as treasured lifetime memories.

In total, they scooped 12 Gold, 10 Silver and 12 Bronze medals.

The team were greeted by delighted family, friends and supporters at the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport’s terminal two. Among them was Transplant Surgeon David Hickey from Beaumont Hospital, who had operated on some of the Irish transplant athletes.

The Irish team, ranging in age from 12 to 68, were placed 14th overall on the medals table at the games. They were amongst almost 1000 organ transplant recipients from 50 countries at the games.

The team members reported that the atmosphere was “electric” at the games, while the competition was “extremely tough” and the standards very high.

Team Ireland Manager, Colin White said:

Our hosts put on a spectacular week that brought together inspiring people from all over the world to celebrate the gift of life through sport and demonstrate that organ donation and transplantation works.

Members

John Moran (54) from Glasnevin, Dublin, Tony Gartland (50) from Carlow and teenager Andrew Duncan (15) from Tipperary, a newcomer to the team, secured the most medals, winning four each.

The youngest member of the team, Oisin O’Gorman (12) from Waterford, secured a Gold in Badminton and two Bronze medals in the Long Jump and Ball Throw events (12-14 years).

Tony Gartland, the first person to undergo a liver transplant in Ireland, secured 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals and paid tribute to his deceased organ donor for his success.

Tipperary woman Sheila Gregan, who took the Gold medal in the virtual triathlon event and a Bronze medal in the 400m freestyle event, said “at the end of the day the reason I am here is down to my donor and the decision the donor family took to donate their loved ones organs. I find it difficult to articulate my gratitude in words so I honour my donor by using my body to the best of its abilities, through sport.”

Robbie Lyons (19) from Laois won a Bronze in the Long Jump event. Robbie, who broke a world record in the under 18’s Long Jump event at the previous World Transplant Games in Sweden two years ago, said “participating in the Games reminds me that being here is all down to my donor and their family’s decision to donate their family members’ organs.”

Team Captain Harry Ward from Baldoyle said:

It’s wonderful to be here with such a wonderful team and it’s fantastic to see them all competing to the best of their abilities.

For more information on the 19th World Transplant Games and Transplant Team Ireland, visit the team blog.

Read: Pride and anticipation as transplant athletes head to World Transplant Games

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World Transplant Games in South Africa July 28 - Aug 2

Transplant games encourage people to donate organs

World Transplant Games Federation president, Olivier Coustere, said: “Countries that have hosted the event have experienced a 30% or higher increase in organ donation rates.” 

Lungile Mathupha, The New Age

The the biggest organ donor awareness event, the World Transplant Games, takes place in Durban from July 28 to August 2 and is set to draw 1800 participants from a total of 50 countries.

“This event, unfolding in various venues within the city, is a celebration of the human spirit, giving individuals with previously life-threatening illnesses, the chance to compete in a high-level sports event and prove that they can not only lead normal, fulfilling lives, but push the boundaries of their physical endurance,” James Nxumalo, mayor of eThekwini, said.

He added that the municipality was proud to be associated with these games, as they represented a very significant course which is saving people’s lives.

The eThekwini municipality said that the aim of the games is to offer hope to those awaiting transplants and encourage the public to become donors, by showing the difference that organ transplants can make to the lives of young and old.

Competitors have to be recipients of solid organs or bone marrow in order to participate in the qualifying games. The games include athletics, swimming, tennis, squash, golf, volleyball and bowling. In total there are 50 events competitors can get involved in.

There are also cycling and road races which will take place in the city.

The 100m race has a competition record of 11.18 seconds and the long jump 6.85m, so the standard of the games is high and expectations are high for a lot of excitement and good results from this year’s event.

In 2011 the games were hosted by Gothenburg, Sweden and from the 47 SA participants, the country won 17 gold medals, 17 silver and 14 bronze. Four South Africans hold World Transplant Games world records.

South African sports stars such as Chad Le Clos have teamed up to welcome all the competitors as well as to encourage the public to register as organ donors.

World Transplant Games Federation president, Olivier Coustere, said: “Countries that have hosted the event have experienced a 30% or higher increase in organ donation rates.” 

“You Have the Power to Donate Life – Sign-up today! Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

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1,000 athletes to compete in World Transplant Games June 17th to 24th in Sweden

Thousand participants registered for the World Transplant Games in Sweden.

More than 1000 transplanted athletes from all over the world will visit Sweden to compete in the World Transplant Games on the 17th to the 24th of June. The competitions consist of 13 different sports and takes place in the central parts of Gothenburg, the second largest city of Sweden. This is a sporting event where everyone is truly a winner. The thousandth participant to register was Ioannis Papanikolaou from Greece.

Ioannis Papanikolaou is a kidney recipient and will compete in bowling and table tennis.

– I like meeting people from other countries and prove to everyone that we, who have received the ultimate gift of organ donation, are really reborn and can now enjoy the happiness that sports and the games offer, says Ioannis Papanikolaou.

Ioannis Papanikolaou has, like all participants, the possibility to live a good and eventful life thanks to a life saving organ transplant. Among the competitors there are people who have received kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs or stem cells (bone marrow transplant). Many of the participants have been transplanted with more than one organ and some of them more than once. Without a donor none of these transplants would be possible.

World Transplant Games is an international sporting event for transplant athletes. WTG2011 will take place from the 17th to the 24th of June 2011 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The games are arranged for the 18th time and for the first time in Sweden. More than a thousand transplanted participants, in different ages from 6 to 70 from 50 different countries, will meet and compete in 13 different sports.

The sports included in WTG are: Golf, Athletics, Mini Marathon, Badminton, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Cycling, Squash, Bowling, Volleyball, Petanque and Floorball. The purpose of WTG is to demonstrate the physical success of transplant surgery and to raise awareness of the need to increase organ donation.

Previous games


Events Past
Summer & Winter World Transplant Games

Summer Games

2009 Australien - Video from Australia
2007 Thailand
2005 Canada - video from Canada
2003 France
2001 Japan
1999 Hungary
1997 Australia
1995 UK
1993 Canada
1991 Hungary
1989 Singapore
1987 Austria
1984 Holland
1982 Greece
1980 USA
1979 UK
1978 UK

Winter Games

2010 France
2008 Finland
2005 Poland (Nicholas Cup)
2004 Italy
2001 Switzerland
1999 USA
1996 France
1994 France

For more information see WTGF´s website

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Register to be a donor in Ontario at beadonor.ca
For other Canadian provinces click here

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In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You

Adversity nothing new for teen at World Transplant Games

Posted By MATTHEW VAN DONGEN The Standard, St. Catharines, Ontario

A tire on Mike Mazzuocco's costly road bicycle was about to go flat minutes before his race at the World Transplant Games last week.

Luckily, he found a $5 solution.

The St. Catharines teen, who competed in the games 20 months after a double-lung transplant, wrapped an Australian five dollar bill around his punctured tire and cycled to a personal best time in the 20- kilometer race at the games down under.

The puncture was the latest in a series of bike malfunctions leading up to the race -- with the last problem discovered during the seven-minute race warm-up.

"It came down to the wire," said the West Park Secondary School student, who arrived home from Australia earlier this week. "I probably should have kept (the $5 bill). I think I could have used it to buy hot chocolate on the way home."

The determined 18-year-old managed personal bests in both his races at the Games -- about 52 minutes for the 20-kilometer race and 11 minutes, 11 seconds for his five-kilometer competition.

His equipment problems started early, with a blown front tire that was completely replaced before his first race. The other tire went flat twice in the hours before his 20-kilometer race. An Australian team captain pumped it up once; a Canadian member later replaced the inner tube.

The same friendly Australian suggested the final emergency fix. It turns out Australian bills are "a bit plasticky," said Mazzuocco. The durable dollar-wrap prevented another puncture and allowed the teen to race.

It was a "hairy-scary" situation, said Mazzuocco's mom, Jeannie. "A woman from Team SickKids was filming the whole thing, and she was almost crying."

Mazzuocco had already dealt with two-wheeled adversity on his way to the games. In late May, a thief stole Mazzuocco's training bike from a Tim Hortons. A city resident later found and returned the bike after seeing a Standard story on the theft.

It was just a bump in the road, however, compared to the challenge of recovering from a double lung transplant in 2007 due to cystic fibrosis -- then training to race in the Canadian Transplant Games in Windsor.

Mazzuocco won the timed five-kilometer trials at those games and began preparing for a 20-kilometer race on Australia's Gold Coast.

"To do what he did, 20 months after surgery, we're very proud," said his mom.

Mazzuocco is proud, too -- and grateful for the opportunity to compete and meet other athletes.

The Canadian Team was made up 48 athletes who have had heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants. They earned more than 70 medals at the games.

"It was fun, and great to see friends I made at the last games," said Mazzuocco, who is still recovering from the 20 hours of return flight. "Everyone was friendly... everyone shares something in common."

To see how the team fared between Aug. 22 and 30, visit http://www.sickkids.ca/teamsickkids.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network. NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

British transplant survivor, 20, going to the World Transplant Games in Australia

Organ transplant recipients, many of whom have never been able to take part in athletics due to their medical problems, are inspired and motivated to show the world that they are now able to live normally and even compete in sports activities. Such is the wonderful transformation that takes place after receiving the "Gift of Life".

LIVER transplant survivor Jon Fox is hoping to be a smash hit in his quest for sporting gold at the World Transplant Games in Australia (Aug 22-30, 2009).

By Harry Hogger DorsetEcho U.K.

LIVER transplant survivor Jon Fox is hoping to be a smash hit in his quest for sporting gold Down Under.

Twenty-year-old Jon, from Dorchester, will be representing his country at the World Transplant Games in Australia both in the pool and on the badminton court.

Jon, who won a gold and two silvers at the games in Canada in 2005, will go up against competitors from 69 other countries at the tournament, which aims to promote organ donation.

Not content with taking to the pool in the 50m and 200m breaststroke and freestyle swimming, Jon – who had a life-saving liver transplant at the age of eight – will also be representing the United Kingdom at badminton.

He said: “More than anything it’s to promote organ donation, that’s the main aspect of it.

“I was born with a genetic liver disease and I was ill throughout my life until the transplant.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t worked.”

Jon said his operation completely changed his life and he will forever be grateful to the anonymous donor whose organ he benefited from.

He said: “Before, I didn’t go out at all but afterwards my parents would hardly see me, I would go out and I had friends which was something I didn’t have before.

“Apart from once a couple of years ago I haven’t really been ill.”

Jon added: “I can’t thank my donor and their family enough.

“If anyone is thinking about carrying a donor card I would say please just do it.”

Jon has been given a helping hand with his training by West Dorset District Council with free membership of the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

He said: “I am really excited about the games and trying to fit in as much training as I can.

“The staff at the leisure centre have been brilliant, it’s a great place to train.”

Jon is competing in the games to raise money for Transplant Sport UK, a charity that aims to raise organ donation awareness.

To sponsor him in his efforts, visit http://www.justgiving.com/jonfox89.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network. NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation