Trio to contest in unique event

THREE organ-transplant recipients from the Eastern Cape will represent South Africa in the 20th World Transplant Games in Argentina next month.

Robyn Emslie from East London will be taking part in the games for the fourth time, having started in Australia in 2009, Sweden in 2011 and Durban in 2013. She had her kidney transplant in 2008, and made it a point that she would lead a fun and healthy life.

There are 46 athletes from South Africa participating this year. These games, which started in 1995, are for people who have had any form of organ transplant from as young as 12 to 70 years of age.

Sports include running, jumping, swimming, tennis, squash and golf.

“We want to create awareness that there is activity after transplant. All we are saying is listen to your body, if it tells you to stop; stop. Don’t overdo it,” Emslie said.

There is South Africa Transplant Sport Association (Satsa) and they have just opened an Eastern Cape region in March, of which Emslie is the chairwoman.

The association was established by a group of transplant recipients who felt the need for an organisation that would promote an active lifestyle and an involvement in various sporting activities.

South Africa came in third overall in 2013 games and came back with 37 gold medals.

“We would like to get more people from the Eastern Cape to join, we will give you lots of information about transplants and also about games going on around the world,” Emslie said.

Should you wish to join Satsa, contact Emslie on robynemslie@yahoo.com or 082-491-2462 or

SATSA secretary, Heilie Uys on huys@ibi.co.za or 082-465-0935.