Making most of a second chance

TRANSPLANT GAMES: ATHLETES AIM TO EMULATE 2015

Having overcome multiple challenges just to get to the start line, inspirational athletes from around the country will target another large medal haul at the 21st edition of the World Transplant Games next week, as they showcase their ability after being given a second chance at life.

The SA Transplant Sports Association recently named a 52-member national squad, including four juniors, for the biennial multi-sport event, who had all survived life-saving transplant operations.

Due to financial constraints, however, some of them could not make the trip to Malaga, Spain for the eight-day spectacle starting on June 25.

“In spite of the constant training, fitting in work, school, exams, publicity and hospital clinic appointments, these athletes have to raise over R30 000 themselves,” said team manager Hermann Steyn.

“Sadly, many could not accept their places on the team because of the heavy financial burden.”

Competing against 43 countries at the previous edition of the Games in Mar del Plata in 2015, the SA team ended third in the table with 89 medals (41 gold, 24 silver and 24 bronze).

Despite the cut in the size of the team, Steyn believed they could produce a similar performance in Malaga.

“We aim to equal the 41 gold medals won at the World Transplant Games in 2015,” he said.

Raising awareness for organ donation, over 2 500 participants from 55 countries were expected to turn out in 17 codes at the Games, with athletes from around the world ranging between the ages of four and 80.

Steyn said the national squad were eager to compete at the event and play their part in demonstrating the ability of transplant recipients to lead healthy, normal lives.

“The opportunity to represent their country, celebrate life, and in doing so pay tribute to the donors who gave them life, is the goal,” Steyn said.