World Transplant Games 2019: What? Where? When? Everything you need to know!

The World Transplant Games 2019 is coming to Newcastle and Gateshead, promising incredible action and highlighting the need for more people to register as organ donors.

Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling sporting occasion!

What are the World Transplant Games?

The World Transplant Games 2019 is an exciting sporting event aimed at celebrating the success of transplant surgery and raising public awareness of the need for organ donors.

The event will see 1500 athletes from over 59 countries compete in Newcastle and Gateshead.

All athletes have had lifesaving organ or tissue transplants. They’ll compete in a range of sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, darts, football, golf, volleyball, petanque, squash, swimming, table tennis, ten-pin bowling and tennis.

When is it?

The Games will take place between Saturday the 17th of August 2019 to Friday the 23rd August 2019.

Click Here for a more detailed look at the specific sport schedule.

Where is it?

The Games take place in world-class sporting venues including, Gateshead International Stadium, Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Close House Golf Resort, Sport Central and the Northumberland Club.

Click Here for a more detailed look at the specific sport schedule.

How can I get involved?

The Gift of Life Run is one of the Games’ highlights and is open to all transplant recipients, donor families, supporters of the Games and the general public. You can register on the day in the registration marquee. The event takes place 11am, Sunday 18  August, Exhibition Park, Newcastle.

You can watch the Games action live! It is free of charge to spectate and you do not need to get a ticket. Here’s a list of the venues and times.

You can also cheer on the teams during the Athlete’s Parade, as they walk up from Old Eldon Square, up Northumberland Street and then turn towards Sport Central, on Saturday 17 August from 430pm.

Where can I learn more about the history of the World Transplant Games?

There’s a four-decade history behind the World Transplant Games, with recent events in Malaga, Spain 2017, Mar del Plata, Argentina 2015, and Durban, South Africa 2013.

You can learn more about the history here.

How can I become an organ donor?

You can give the gift of life by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register. It only takes a minute, but it could be worth a lifetime to someone. In fact, you could save up to nine lives.

One of the most important things to do after registering to donate is to then inform your family of your decision. If you don’t, then it could be the case your family are unwilling to approve your organ donations upon death. Telling your family that you want to be an organ donor when you die helps them to make that decision at a difficult time.

Why are True Potential Sponsoring the event?

The World Transplant Games offer a level playing field for all, with talent and potential offered the ability to flourish through sport. The principle of a level playing field is one shared by True Potential and evident in our support for the Social Mobility Pledge.

With the Games held in our home city we felt it was a perfect opportunity to get involved in amazing event and support a cause that shares so many of our values.

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