Transplant Games a legacy event

MORE than 700 athletes will take part in the Australian Transplant Games on the Gold Coast beginning this weekend.

The biannual Games, open to those who are waiting to receive or are transplant recipients as well as supporters, feature 20 different sports.

Sports include swimming, volleyball, ten pin bowling, table tennis, tennis, cycling, triathlon, darts, golf, lawn bowls and boardgames.

International competitors include athletes from Germany, the United States, Thailand and New Zealand.

Athletes will compete at venues used for the Commonwealth Games until October 6.

There are at least 229 adult transplant recipients and 28 youth recipients taking part.

Mayor Tom Tate said the high calibre of such events helped to boost the city’s reputation internationally.

“Many of these athletes and their friends will stay on to enjoy everything the Coast has to offer,” he said. “The (Commonwealth) Games were always about creating a platform that allows us to secure legacy opportunities for our city.”