Whoever thought the number 16 could be so important? Northmead local celebrates a second chance at life at the Australian Transplant Games

Northmead resident Christopher Yeates is gearing up to celebrate the greatest gift of all by participating in next month’s Australian Transplant Games.

Christopher, 30, received a live-saving bone marrow transplant in 2000 at the St Vincent Hospital and now he is ready to compete in Australia’s most inspirational sporting event.

Transplant Australia will stage the Australian Transplant Games from 24 September to 1 October in Western Sydney to promote the benefits of donation and transplantation, and help transplant recipients strive towards improved health and fitness.

Transplant Australia will highlight the very real benefits of transplantation by forming a human image of the total number of years of extra life enjoyed by the recipients at the games.

This will take place in Sydney’s Martin Place on Monday, September 26 at 11.00am.

Christopher will be adding sixteen years to what will be an extraordinary total and he will be presented with this personalised shirt at the start of the games. He is competing in triathlon, swimming, cycling and darts.

The Transplant Games unite those touched by transplantation and organ donation through an exciting week of sport and social activities. Transplant Australia CEO, Chris Thomas, describes the Games. “For recipients, participation is a way of saying ‘thanks’ to their donor families; for donor families, it’s a way to honour their loved one’s gift of life. Transplant recipients come from all over the country to take part.

“Our athletes demonstrate living proof that transplantation saves lives. What’s more, it allows them a quality of life they might not have experienced for years. They can start a family, play sport, get back into the workforce – all because of the generosity of someone else,” Mr Thomas said.

The message to all Australians from the staging of these Games is to register as an organ and tissue donor.

“For every Australian willing to one day save lives, joining the register is the clearest message a person can give their family that, in the event of their death, they have made a decision to leave a legacy of donation to save the lives of other Australians,” Mr Thomas said.

Join the Australian Organ Donor Register online by visiting donatelife.gov.au

About the Australian Transplant Games

The Australian Transplant Games are held every two years and celebrate the success of transplantation and encourage Australian families to discuss organ and tissue donation. They are open to transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, people on dialysis or awaiting a transplant and supporters.

The Organ and Tissue Authority is the major sponsor of the Australian Transplant Games. NSW Health is the Major Supporter.

About Transplant Australia

Transplant Australia is the national community organisation promoting organ and tissue donation and caring for all those touched by transplantation. Its vision is for Australia to lead the world in organ and tissue donation and transplantation – saving lives, improving quality of life and providing much-needed care and support.

For more information please contact Jessica Younan at Transplant Australia

P: (02) 9922 5400
M: 0401 206 402
E: [email protected]
Games website: https://www.australiantransplantgames.com/
Transplant Australia: https://transplant.org.au/