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Nearly everyone in the world has heard of the Olympic games, and many people are familiar with the Para Olympic games, but very few people are aware of the equally important Transplant Games. These games, held annually, celebrate the resilience of transplant recipients and the selflessness and spirit of the families of donors.
According to a news release from the Sheffield City Council, the games, which the city will host in the summer of 2026, are the flagship event for the Transplant Active charity, which works to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and encourage transplant recipients to remain healthy and active.
More than 7,000 People
Over 7,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in Britain, explained a blog on Westfield Health’s website. About three people, on average, die a day waiting for an organ transplant, and one donor can save over nine lives.
This lack of donors still exists despite the fact that Britain instituted an “opt-out” law regarding organ donation in 2020, in which all people are considered potential organ donors unless they specify that they do not want their organs donated. When it comes down to it, families still have the last word on whether their loved-ones’ organs should be donated, and too many people never have the conversation with their families regarding their wishes.
This is why the Transplant Games are so important, reported Positive.News. They bring attention to the importance of organ transplant, and show the world that organ recipients can, and do, thrive and live fully, happy lives. Anyone can apply to participate in the games so long as they are healthy and attend at least one team training camp.
Recipients and Donor Families
During the 2025 games in Oxford, a five-year-old liver recipient participated in the obstacle race, the 25-meter sprint, and the ball throw. Another participant, who received a kidney at age 13, now at 36, trains for the games every year.
And then there is Jenny Glithero, who contracted a viral infection, and went into acute liver failure, necessitating an emergency liver transplant. Six months after needing to learn how to breathe again after being on a ventilator, she was back on a bike, and training for the games. For her, it is a way of honoring the anonymous person who saved her life.
Glithero told Positive News, “Why do I train? Why do I do this? Because I’ve been given the gift of life. It’s about going to show up for my donor. To give thanks,” she says. “Some people go to church. I get on the bike.”
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