NewsHealth

Actions

Locals compete in Transplant Games

Posted at 3:59 PM, Sep 02, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-03 00:29:46-04

SALT LAKE CITY - Eighteen locals traveled to Michigan this summer to compete in the 12th Transplant Games.

The games celebrate organ donation, with both donors and recipients participating in team or individual sports.

"The whole idea is just to make people aware that you can be an organ donor, you can be healthy afterwards and you don't have to wait until you're dead before you can become an organ donor," said Steve Baldridge.

Eighteen people - both donors and recipients - from Utah and Idaho were among the people competing. Mykel Ramsey, who participated in the games, says the camaraderie is one of the best things about the event.

"It's incredible cause I have 17, 18 different people that I can talk to about transplants. They understand what I'm going through and what's being said," said Ramsey.

Team Utah-Idaho took home the Team Cup award and multiple gold medals. The games take place every other year and will return in 2014. The location is yet to be determined.

Related story:
GDU: Transplant recipients complete in Olympic-style event
Utahns participate in Transplant Games of America