World Transplant Games Comes to Campus

From 17 - 24 August, thousands of transplant athletes from 60 countries across the world descend on the Northumbria City Campus for the official opening ceremony of the World Transplant Games. Northumbria is playing a key role in the Games as the host of the official opening ceremony, as well as some of the sporting fixtures, at the University’s Sport Central.

Staged by the World Transplant Games Federation and organised by NewcastleGateshead initiative, the Games celebrate a second chance of living, showcase the success of transplant surgery and highlight the importance of signing up to the Organ Donation register.

Professor Jon Reast, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Northumbria University said: “It’s a great honour to be hosting the opening ceremony in our own fabulous Sport Central, and to have the opportunity to showcase our university to an international audience. Athletes and supporters from all over the world will be visiting the campus, and this is a chance to share our research and expertise in areas such as heart and lung transplants and demonstrate how it is having a real impact on people’s lives.”

As well as those participating, over 800 volunteers have signed-up to support the World Transplant Games this summer and help spread the word about organ donation including Northumbria’s students and colleagues.

The Games will also celebrate transplant recipients and donors through the opening and closing ceremonies, a donor recognition event and further cultural activities. You can also get involved by taking part in the Gift of Life Run on Sunday 18 August at Newcastle Exhibition Park and the Town Moor or by spectating at some of the many sporting events. All information of how to get involved is available on the World Transplant Games website.

Graham Wylie, chair of the World Transplant Games NewcastleGateshead 2019, said: "We are counting down the days until the start of the Games and can't wait to welcome nearly 2,300 participants to the North East. The athletes will compete at several world class sporting venues across our region, as well as celebrating organ donation through our fabulous social and cultural programme. The athletes that compete at the World Transplant Games are a true inspiration and we are honoured to be able to welcome such an inspiring celebration of human coverage and physical fitness to the region."

From Spring 2020 the law around organ donation in England is changing. All adults will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups -this is commonly referred to as an 'opt-out' system. NHS Blood and Transplant's #PassItOn campaign encourages people to pass on the fact the law is changing, decide on whether they want to pass on their organs and pass on their decision to their friends and family.

For more information on World Transplant Games 2019 visit worldtransplantgames.org.