Last modified: 11 May 2000
So what's new about the 11th World Transplant Games apart from the venue on the far, far side of the world, looking at it from Europe that is? Well, firstly, and quite incredibly, more people and more countries taking part than ever before. That fact has to be a tribute not only to your enthusiasm but also to the incredibly hardwork put in by the Australian organization and particularly by Mark Cocks and his team. Secondly, we have children competing and underlining the fact that transplantation is for all age groups with the parameters becoming wider and wider. Finally, and perhaps the most important thing of all, is that for the first time, we are professionally eliciting a reply to the question that has been in our minds for many years. That question is - does the World Transplant Games and the publicity which it creates, really make a positive impact on the way people think, and if so, does that thinking translate itself into the action of increased donation of donor organs for transplantation? We have undertaken, with the help of Novartis and Hoffman La Roche, a study to determine the answer to those questions. The methodology used provides the results which are indisputable and can be used by all our countries as evidence.
Our new Secretary has mace some helpful innovations, and as a result we have much more knowledge es to what happens in the transplant scene in a number of countries who have replied to his questionnaire. For instance,did you know that amongst the Argentine 100 members, there were recipients of lung, heart/ lung, pancreas and bone marrow transplants (they have been busy) or that the equally energetic Romanian Association had a record 150 members-an amazing achievement; or that Tomas Drevikovsky, one of our regular contributors, has an Association 'Joint Dialysis and Transplantation' with a total membership of 1,700, of which probably 600 have had organ transplants. In many countries these groups are the only mechanism which can persuade governments to provide various forms of support. We as an international group can sometimes be very helpful in that process as additional pressure.
The argument re elitism in our Transplant Games rages on. There are various strong views expressed. Let me give you the options.
(a) These games are a showcase for the fittest and best that can be offered to the media. Thus, that argument runs, unless we maintain high standards of athletic performance, we will not show our best face to the world.
(b) The games are for all who wish to compete, providing it is safe for them to do so. The more the merrier, and it is pleasurable and helpful to form friendships all over the world. Furthermore, it is the sheer number of people taking part which impresses the media, not the standard of performance.
(c) Let us have some kind of division or classification. Thus there may be a sort of super league of people who have reached a 'HIGH' standard in their sport and another league for the rest.
What do you think?
I have been in communication with the International Olympic Committee President, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch (whose message of support was elicited by Mrs. Jacqueline Casari of the Swiss Association). It may be that in the future some linkage with the l.O.C. will be possible in a way which will be useful to both organizations.
Finally, I would like to extend a particular welcome to all new participants and especially those from countries that have never before taken part. We are thus very pleased to extend a particularly warm welcome to our colleagues from Brazil, China, Iran, Korea, Pakistan and Vietnam. Great to have you on board!
Last modified:
11 May 2000