The Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) salutes all transplant athletes, donor families and volunteers that are headed to Windsor for the Canada Transplant Games which begin today and run until Friday, Aug. 8.
"The Canadian Transplant Games are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in this country," said Versha Prakash, Vice-President, TGLN.
"Each one of these competitors has an emotional life-changing story. Now, after their transplant they have regained their health and are now competing on a National stage. They are all an inspiration to every Canadian and we are incredibly proud and wish all athletes from across the country the best of luck."
More than 130 athletes from across the country will gather in Windsor to compete in various athletic competitions. Sports included in the Canada Transplant Games are: running, cycling, bowling, aquatics, badminton, golf, tennis, squash, lawn bowling, beach volleyball, slo pitch, and table tennis.
"I am thrilled to be participating in the transplant games this year. There is a real spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship at the transplant games," said Windsor native, Tom Awad.
"My liver transplant saved my life and, I intend to live everyday to the fullest. I am competing this week to not only raise awareness for organ and tissue donation; but also to honour donor families from across the country who made the decision to donate their loved ones organs and give someone on the waiting list a second chance at life."
Awad will be competing in a variety sports throughout the week including: the 5km run, 10-pin bowling, tennis, slo-pitch, and track and field events on Friday.
Save a life by registering your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor. Today, you can register your wishes at an OHIP office when you renew your health card. If you have the red and white card or have recently renewed your card and did not register your wishes, you can go to the Trillium Gift of Life Network website and download an "Organ and Tissue Donor Registration" form, fill it out and mail it in to the address on the form.
For more information go to www.giftoflife.on.ca or call 416-363-4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.
