“Celebration of new life” would be the shortest way to explain why more than 70 athletes who have received either organ or bone marrow transplants, will participate in the 14th National Transplant Games which will be held from 7 -10 July in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay.
For those who wonder why anybody would “risk” his or her health after having gone through an organ or bone marrow transplant by being so active, Dr Heilie Uys of Cape St Francis has the answer:
“After a debilitating illness of some sort, all people experience loss of muscle, a degree of mental depression and in many cases difficulty in re-entering the community around them, both socially and economically,” said Dr. Uys.
“Organ transplant recipients are a particularly vulnerable category. In this context sport – or some sort of physical exercise after transplantation – is not a luxury, it is a necessity, a vital vehicle to full integration physically, mentally, socially and economically.”
Speaking from experience
Dr. Uys speaks from her own experience. She suffered renal failure after she contracted Wegener’s Disease. Dialysis was her only means of survival before receiving a donor kidney transplant in 2004.
She has since become an active golf player and athlete and has participated in eight World Transplant Games.
Dr. Uys will also be one of the 77 transplant athletes during this year’s National Transplant Games. Athletes in different age groups (men and women) from five to over 80 years old, will use this opportunity to reach qualifying standards to be considered for inclusion into the SA team to participate in the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth, Australia.
The event is hosted by the South African Transplant Sports Association (SATSA).
The Eastern Cape Region of SATSA also hosted a very successful NTG in 2018 in Gqeberha. Nelson Mandela University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Madibaz Sport Department are partnering with Transplant Sports by making available sports facilities and the expertise of staff and students.
13 Different sporting events
The transplant athletes will compete in 13 different sports events. On Friday, 8th July, all non-track and field events will take place namely cycling, road race, golf, swimming, lawn bowls, petanque, squash, table tennis, badminton, tennis, ten pin bowling and darts.
One of the highlights on this day is a fun walk event that will take place on the beach front from 15:00 to promote awareness for organ donation and transplantation. The public is welcome to participate in this event.
The athletics on Saturday, 9th July, will take place at the Madibaz Stadium of the Nelson Mandela University. It is open to the public.
“The National Transplant Games is always the highlight on the transplant calendar,” said Willie Uys, chairman of the organising committee.
“It is the point in every transplant athlete’s year where they strive to be at their best, ensuring they gradually improve their own performances, while keeping one eye on their goals to qualify for Australia.
“Gqeberha has always had superb facilities and is one of the most beautiful cities to compete in. We’re sure this will help inspire our athletes to perform at their best. We appreciate the Nelson Mandela University and in particular the Faculty of Health Sciences as well as sponsors who are partnering with SATSA in organising an unforgettable event,” said Uys.
