HISTORY - In the early days of transplantation, there was a thought that the heart transplantees were older and less fit than the others. This is no longer a commonly heldbelief. Nevertheless it prompted the idea that a get-together to enjoy each other's company was desirable. The First Games were held in Gorsel, Netherlands by Harten Tween. All participants stayed in caravans in a field. The camaraderie was tremendous so it was not difficult to decide we should continue with the Games.

The Second Games took place in Paris. The organisation was led by Maurice Girod, again a joy for all who were there. The Third Games were in London next to Heathrow, organisation led by Ken Pinfield. The Fourth, once again in the Netherlands organised as before by the mercurial Peter Hanson. Each Games improving on the previous efforts both in terms of events and numbers. This Games had nearly 400 people, half being supporters.

It is sad to say that all these three founding pioneers plus Fernand Magdonelle of Belgium are no longer with us.

The Fifth Games held in Helsinki, Finland gave us the opportunity to formalise our European organisation and in the historic meeting room of the world leaders, 11 countries signed the aggreement to form the European Heart Transplant Federation, to continue the Games and to assist in publicity to maintain donor availability. The head of organisation in Finland being Ilika Vass.

LAUSANNE 1996- The chief organisers, Werner Loosli and Stojan Zorn, once more showed how it should be done. The hotels all overlooked Lake Geneva and many of us on arrival sat in the terrific sunshine to enjoy an evening meal in the most wonderful atmosphere. 218 athletes from 17 countries engaged in active competition and were augmented by almost 200 supporters. There was, in addition, a great opening speech from Professor Jean-F Borel who developed Cyclosporin for Sandoz. The British contingent represented all the Heart and Lung units and managed to secure the largest number of medals running out with 24 Golds. This was never the less a triumph of organisation by the members of the Swiss Group 'Les As du Coeur' and with the weather being so kind, the whole event was idyllic and romantic.

The Games will next take place in Germany in Bad Oeynhausen in 1998 and as ever, there will be progress. I, for one, will be looking forward to more of the same.

Geoff Finnigan - January 1997

 

Last modified: 11 May 2000