Once one had got over the difficulty pronouncing the place where the Hungarian Transplant Sports Association had decided to hold these Eastern European Transplant Games - Tiszaujvaros - all else was relatively straightforward and highly successful. These Games were held to mark the eleven hundredth anniversary of the formation of Hungary. The following countries sent teams - Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia- and everyone had a marvellous and relaxed time. 140 participants took part in our games including 37 foreign competitors. Various outdoor and indoor sporting events plus cultural programmes (e.g. theatrical evenings, exhibitions, excursions) were organised.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Games was the combination of athletic and cultural pursuits happily entwined with each other. Thus there was a nostalgic ball, an exhibition of some excellent photography by Gyorgy Szekely, President of the Hungarian Sports Association, there was swimming, poetry, a fishing contest, badminton, table-tennis and track events. And all done with tremendous Hungarian panache (as soon as I know what the word means, I intend to use it much more often). The representatives from guest countries were delighted to be present and for many of them it was the first opportunity to witness this coming together of well- rehabilitated transplant colleagues. Memorably, one of the evening festivities was by a broad flowing river with each of the countries preparing their ethnic food and sharing it with others.

I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the organisation, the hard work which had clealy gone into the preparation of the event which deserves congratulations from all of us. Please let us hear from all the participating countries individually and I am sure that I speak on behalf of all of us when I say, 'Well done Hungary!' These Games were the kind of tribute to Kinga Toth which she would have appreciated.

It was a real pioneering first and, I have no doubt, owed much to the enterprise and commitment of Mr. Liviu llisan, President of Trans Club -the Romanian Transplant Association.

Romania, as all of us know, has not had the easiest of times and the organisation of this event required the inventiveness, tenacity and will-power of a handful of people who were simply determined to make it happen despite severe financial restrictions.

The venue Tirga Mures, a mediaeval town in the Transylvania province of Romania, not far from its borders with Ukraine and Hungary is in the vicinity of Dracu la's castle home. The hospitality was warmer than the weather. Nevertheless some 60 athletes made it including guests from Hungary and Ukraine.

Both the athletics and the social events were greatly enjoyed. Surgeons and physicians from the major transplant unit in Romania were present and there was media coverage.

Well done Romania. Thank you for the experience, and see you in Sydney.

Maurice Slapak - President WTGF

 

Last modified: 11 May 2000