Showing quality of life

THE South African Transplant Sports Association (Satsa) invites organ and bone marrow recipients from the age of 5 to participate in the National Transplant Games in Port Elizabethfrom July 12 to 14.

The sports codes offered are track and field, swimming, golf, tennis, badminton, table tennis, tenpin bowling, cycling, road running, petanque, squash, darts and lawn bowls.

The games set the stage to demonstrate the improved quality of life following transplantation and, through that, promote awareness for organ donation and transplantation.

This is an opportunity for transplanted athletes to show gratitude to living donors and families of deceased donors, said Heilie Uys, of the Eastern Cape Transplant Sports Association.

This is a “Celebration of New Life” where athletes who have received organ and bone marrow transplants will compete in 13 different sports events.

On July 13, the non-athletic events will take place, and the track and field events will take place on July 14.

Satsa also makes use of this opportunity to include the community. A fun walk and transplant awareness event will take place on July 13.

A 90-day “Step Challenge” will start on April 9 until July 7. Interested persons can enter teams of four and walk towards winning prizes.

The games were officially launched at the Protea Marine Hotel in Port Elizabeth earlier this month.

For details contact Satsa executive secretary Hermann Steyn on 021 851 9426 or e-mail admin@transplantsports.org.za.

Registration information is available on the website www.transplantsports.org.za