Last modified: 11 May 2000
The World Transplant Games (WTG) have been held every two years since 1978. Originally, the participants were kidney transplant recipients, who competed on a recreat~onal level. But gradually the recipients of other organs (heart, liver, lung, and bone marrow) were also admitted, which has meant a larger number of participants and a higher level of performance. The growing number of people taking part is also due to the fact that there are more countries where transplantations are carried out, as well as an increase in the number of transplantations per country. The higher level of accomplishment is due mainly to a better qua Iity of Iife after transpla ntation. The aim of the WTG - to generate media interest in organ donation - is important. But we should not forget that sport is essential for the well-being of transplanted organs, and thus for the recipient.
Although the WTG are a personal victory for each and every participant, the media tend to focus on the highest level of performance recorded for an individual sport or, conversely, on those who find it difficult to 'keep up'. In the latter case, this results in a negative image of the Games as a whole, since it focuses on the inadequacy of transplant recipients. The WTG should be seen as an opportunity for positive publicity for organ donation. Impressive sports achievements demonstrate the good quality of life after transplantation, while favourable publicity can bring the objectives of the Games that much closer to realization. Understandably, national organizations such as the Heart Foundation and the Kidney Foundation invite the healthiest transplant recipients to take part in their promotional campaigns. Nothing succeeds like success!
The WTG has the potential to become a mega media event, once the press focus not only on national celebrities, but also on well-known top athletes who are also transplant recipients. Inorder to retain the Olympic concept, the Games must be open to everyone. But performing at a high level - for example, by participating in two categories - is also important, not least for the participants themselves. They are anxious to compete with other sportsmen on an equal basis, something thatis only possible if theyare participating atthesame level. Thiswould bee challengetothe sportsmen, and an eye-openerforthe press. It is for this reason that more and more participating countries are introducing a screening procedure.
The level of performance is also affected by the particular kind of transplantation. It is well known that most kidney and liver transplant recipients areableto regain theirformerphysical condition. Thesame is nottrueof people who are living with a new heart or a new lung. (Many would argue with you on this point-Ed.) They continue to be plagued by heart enervation and an altered lung function, which often keep them out of the competition. It would be preferable to make a distinction between the various transplant categories, particularly in the case of peak and duration sports. This would not only ensure balance and fair competition by evening out the differences between the highest and lowest performances, but would also provide encouragement to the competitors. {Butmanyof the overall winners at the Transplant Games are heart recipients, Willy-Ed.J
Making a distinction between the various levels at which participants take part and the type oforgan transplanted would result in equal competition and increased media interest.
Last modified:
11 May 2000