THE 1996 U.S. TRANSPLANT
GAMES
Introduction
General Introduction
Games are open to any individual who has received a
life-saving organ transplant - heart, liver, lung,
kidney, pancreas, or bone marrow. Activities include
sports competition, social activities, special events
and other transplant-related activities.
The 1996 U.S. Transplant Games will be the largest
gathering of transplant recipients in history. Over
1,500 athletes (forming approximately 52 teams) are expected to
participate in the 1996 Games, which will be held August 22-25 on the campus
of the University of Utah. This unique Olympic-style competition is
organized by the National Kidney
Foundation .
Athletic Events
Individual Sports
Athletes will compete individually in the following medal
sports. (Medals will be awarded to the top male and female in
each age category.)
Team Sports
In addition, teams will compete in
the following sports:
Athletic Event Particulars
The information in this section is provided only to serve as a guide for the
many
questions that may arise about
participation in the U.S. Transplant Games. Much of this material is tentative
and is subject to change as Games planning
progresses. The information in this section is current as of March 1,
1996.
The U.S. Transplant Games is open to any individual with a currently
functioning
life-saving solid organ transplant
(including bone marrow). Foreign athletes are welcome to compete, but will
only
earn duplicate medals.
Athletes will compete by sex in the following age groups: 17 and under,
18-25,
26-35, 36-45, 46-55, and 56 and
over. In certain events, there will be special heats for young athletes under
14
years of age. For seeded events or
sports, there will be a separate heat or bracket for each age group if eight or
more individuals compete. In all other
cases, age groups may be combined in the interests of competition and meet
management.
All events have a maximum number of competitors. When the maximum
number is
reached, no additional entries will be
allowed in that event.
Due to the large number of athletes expected, athletes will be allowed to
enter
four (4) events, excluding the 5K
road race, all team events (3 on 3 basketball, team bowling, and team golf),
and
all relay events (the 4 x 50
swimming relay and the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 track relays).
Athletes may not enter events that take place at the same time (except field
events contested cafeteria style). Failure
of an athlete to appear at any event when called may result in the athlete
being
scratched or eliminated from that
competition--there will be no appeal of any scratches for failure to
appear.
Special Events
The Games will feature a host of activities
bringing athletes and their families together.
Old friendships will be rekindled and new relationships will be formed while participants
enjoy the grandeur and natural beauty of
the West.
Special events include:
- the pageantry of Opening
Ceremonies in the Huntsman Center followed by
the traditional Athletes Welcome
Celebration;
- the 5K Dash For Donation, a road race
for athletes, families, friends and
health care professionals to
promote organ donor awareness;
- the Athletes Village, in
which Games participants can review results,
participate in activities, receive free
product samples, and more;
- the excitement of Closing
Ceremonies where the Outstanding Male and
Female Athlete honors will be
awarded.
Activities for Donor Families
Donor families from around the country are
invited to participate in a program created
just for them. The National Donor Family
Council is planning sharing sessions,
workshops and other activities for families'
education and support.
Return
to 1996 US Transplant Games main page
Last modified:
11 May 2000