Closing Ceremony - World Transplant Games Coverage

CLOSING CEREMONY

The Closing Ceremony of the XI World Transplant Games were held Sunday, October 5, at the Sydney Athletic Center - on the track that will be used as the warm-up track for the 2000 Olympics. It was a lovely sunny day, warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, with a slight breeze.

The stands were filled with transplant recipient athletes and supporters, and donor families. Everyone was cheering and wearing their team colors.Just prior to the ceremony, the last medals were awarded in the Athletics events (see Athletics) Each winning athlete got a chance to stand on the winners' blocks, with the flags of all the participating countries waving in the wind, as he or she was presented with a medal.

At about 4:00 pm, the medal presentations were completed and the Closing Ceremony could begin. Dr. Maurice Slapak, president of the World Transplant Games Federation, introduced Mark Cocks, who organized the Games here in Sydney. Mark commented on what a wonderful day it was, and what a wonderful week it had been.

We were then entertained and amazed by a group of children from the organization called "Jump for Heart" (cardiovascular fitness) who did synchronized jump rope routines -- about 100 kids ages seven or eight to maybe thirteen or so. They took the field to the strains of "The Land Down Under" by Men at Work, and performed to three other songs. The jumpers' enthusiasm was contagious; everyone was stamping their feet and clapping along. A professional singer treated us to "I Am Australia" which again brought the crowd to its feet, with arms upraised, hands joined, swaying in time to the music.

Gary Lowe, executive director of the XI World Transplant Games in Sydney, addressed the crowd, especially thanking all the donor families who were in attendance. Dr. Slapak returned to the stage for the ritual handing over of the Games flag from Sydney officials to the representatives of Tilburg, where the next Games will be held. The Dutch representative spoke at length about his enjoyment of the Sydney Games, and how much they are looking forward to the 1999 Games in the Netherlands. He invited us all to be there.

The traditional closing of the Games was led by Dr. Slapak, who initiated the singing of "Auld Lang Syne". Everyone came down from the stands and joined hands while singing. There were enough people to stretch all the way around the track, with people from all 50-some countries holding hands and singing. When the song ended, everyone spontaneously ran towards the middle of the track, and there was a great deal of shouting, cheering, singing, applause, and flag-waving.

It was a very moving moment, as we all realized that the XI World Transplant Games had drawn to a close, and that most of us would not meet again for two years. Although the buses were waiting to take us back to the hotels to dress for the Gala Dinner, no one wanted to leave the field. Everyone was too busy laughing, cheering, shaking hands, hugging, and trying to trade team jackets!

Last modified: 11 May 2000