World Transplant Games a huge success

“Our hearts are beating, so let’s start living, we are limit breakers, we are the future shapers and not scared of living,” sang with passion, the 1200 tranplantees  from 50 nations at the World Transplant Games Closing Ceremony last week at the Inkosi Albert Luthulu Convention Centre.

Amongst them was a South African, Daniel Matsoso, a kidney transpantee who waited for four years for the gift of life – a new kidney.  Matsoso said it was in 1998 when he woke up in an intensive care unit after suffering multiple organ failure.

“My transplant was performed in 2002. I have never met the donor because he died but I wrote a letter to the family expressing my sincere gratitude for giving me a gift of life. I’m now living a double life for myself and for the donor,” said Matsoso.

The eThekwini Mayor, James Nxumalo, said Durban is proud to be the first African City to successfully host the World Transplant Games.

 “With the hosting of these games, the City has achieved to raise awareness about the importance for organ donation. These games represent a very significant course which is saving people’s life. They are a celebration of the human spirit and to show that there is quality of life transplantation. We encourage people to become organ donors,” said Nxumalo.

The President of the World Transplant Games Federation, Olivier Coustere, thanked the people of Durban and KwaZulu Natal for welcoming them with warm and open hearts.

 “To take part in the games is firstly thanks to a gift of life, to the donors and the donor families. The athlete not only show the outstanding and incredible success of transplantation in taking part in sport but also their willingness to act as true ambassadors for Organ Donation,” said Coustere.  

According to the Organ Donor Foundation website, there are approximately 4,300 South African adults and children awaiting a life saving organ and cornea transplant. The foundation has set itself a target of singing 50 000 new organ donors this year.

This was indeed an extra ordinary event as eight South African celebrated breaking World Transplant Games record. Over 50 records were broken at the two day athletic event. In the Long Jump 15 – 17 Philemon Mogotsi broke the record with 5.31m, Shot Put 15 – 17 Herculaas Lamprecht 9.52m, Discus Women 60 – 69 Helletje Uys 19.14m, 50m Boys 9 – 11 Jacques Boshoff 8.42, Javelin Men 30 – 39 Dawid Van Den Berg 31.53m, Cricketball Women 60 – 69 Helletje Uys 29.99, Javelin Men 50 – 59 Lourens Schultz 35.01m and Javelin Men 60 – 69 Helletje Uys 18.03m.

History was also made when the South African Post Office unveiled for the first time in history of the games a commemorative stamp that has been specially designed the World Transplant Games.

The Senior Manger at the South African Post Office, Johan van Wyk, said the artwork for the stamps depicts various transplantee sporting codes.

“The stamped was designed by Gauteng artist Peter Sibanda, in his distinctive bright and colourful style. Sibanda, who is an established stamp artist, received his first commission from the South African Post Office in 2001 to design the World Summit postage stamps,” said van Wyk.  

You can become an organ donor by visiting Organ donor Foundation website on www.odf.org.za or contact the Foundation on 0800 22 66 11. One organ donor can save seven people.