Hall of Fame
The World Transplant Games Federation has commenced a Hall of Fame to honour long-standing competitors, as well as individuals who have played an integral part of the leadership of the World Transplant Games Federation.
‘Spirit of Competition’
2025
Eligibility Criteria: Athletes who have participated in ten Summer World Transplant Games, with no specific time limit, qualify for induction. Athletes who have competed in 15 World Transplant Games, whether they are Summer, Winter or a combination of both, are also eligible for induction.
Alain Fossard
France
Attila Orbán
Hungary
Carol Fitzsimmons
USA
Carolina Panico
Italy
Haroldo Costa
Brazil
Christos Xenos
Greece
Jim Brien
USA
Heilie Uys
South Africa
Judit Berente
Hungary
Margherita Mazzantini
Italy
Jutta Ludwig
Austria
László Venyercsán
Hungary
Martin Krimbacher
Austria
Michael Kennedy
Australia
Olav Fikse
Norway
Neil Macdonald
Great Britain
Paul German
Great Britain
Philippe Brocard
France
Randall Stafford
USA
Roman Dunda
Czech Republic
Ryan Zinn
USA
Tony Gartland
Ireland
Zoë Dixon
Great Britain
2024
Lisa Cuthbertson
Australia
Lisa Cuthbertson
Due to medical advances, anyone can sign up to donate bone marrow and potentially save someone on the other side of the planet. However back in 1985, only a sibling could donate bone marrow, and even then, it was a 25% chance of a match. Lisa had one sister, they were a match, and she underwent a bone marrow transplant for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at age 16, when the chance of surviving the first six months post-transplant was 50%.
High doses of chemotherapy and total body irradiation prior to the transplant rendered Lisa unable to do much at all for 12 months. As a previously keen sportswoman, the World Transplant Games gave her the gift of a sporting life, alongside kindred spirits. Four years post-transplant she competed in her first World Transplant Games in Singapore in 1989, and ever since has been diving in the pool, riding a bike, and occasionally running at the Summer Games, while also hitting the slopes on her skis at the Winter Games.
Come 2024, some 39 years post-transplant, Lisa had competed in 18th World Transplant Games (12 summer and 6 winter games). And from Sydney to the snow in Sainte Foy, Manchester to the bull ring of Malaga, and Budapest to some brilliant nights in Bangkok, danced her way around the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
“These Games mean the world to me as does this award, for which I am very thankful. But it is also for all my special friends from previous Games, who are no longer with us, but who will always be with me in spirit whenever I compete in the future.”
What keeps Lisa coming back with as much energy and fun as she can muster? “It’s the people: their passion, perseverance, and performances. Their courage, resilience and competitive will. Their generosity, whether a competitor, donor or supporter. The cause. I talk about these people every day I can. Because every day counts.”
Lisa spent 12 years on the Board of the Arrow foundation (Australian Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation), and worked as the Event Coordinator for the Sydney 2000 World Transplant Games.
High doses of chemotherapy and total body irradiation prior to the transplant rendered Lisa unable to do much at all for 12 months. As a previously keen sportswoman, the World Transplant Games gave her the gift of a sporting life, alongside kindred spirits. Four years post-transplant she competed in her first World Transplant Games in Singapore in 1989, and ever since has been diving in the pool, riding a bike, and occasionally running at the Summer Games, while also hitting the slopes on her skis at the Winter Games.
Come 2024, some 39 years post-transplant, Lisa had competed in 18th World Transplant Games (12 summer and 6 winter games). And from Sydney to the snow in Sainte Foy, Manchester to the bull ring of Malaga, and Budapest to some brilliant nights in Bangkok, danced her way around the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
“These Games mean the world to me as does this award, for which I am very thankful. But it is also for all my special friends from previous Games, who are no longer with us, but who will always be with me in spirit whenever I compete in the future.”
What keeps Lisa coming back with as much energy and fun as she can muster? “It’s the people: their passion, perseverance, and performances. Their courage, resilience and competitive will. Their generosity, whether a competitor, donor or supporter. The cause. I talk about these people every day I can. Because every day counts.”
Lisa spent 12 years on the Board of the Arrow foundation (Australian Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation), and worked as the Event Coordinator for the Sydney 2000 World Transplant Games.
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2023
Janos Szendi
Hungary
Janos Szendi
Two-time kidney recipient from Hungary, Janos Szendi has competed in 15 Summer World Transplant Games and 7 Winter Games, an incredible achievement marking his induction into the WTGF Hall of Fame.
Sports has played an important role in Janos’s life since he was a child, playing handball at a very young age until his early twenties. A physical education teacher by profession, Janos has had the opportunity to pass on the love of movement to children.
After receiving his first kidney transplant in 1992, Janos participated in his first World transplant Games in Vancouver, Canada in 1993. It was a great experience for him and helped his recovery. After that, Janos represented his country consecutively at the games, with the exception of the summer games in Bangkok 2007, due to his first transplanted kidney failing. After receiving his second kidney in March 2008, Janos has been able to attend each games again since Gold Coast 2009, winning many medals in volleyball, table tennis and badminton.
“I thank my doctors, the staff at the clinic, my family, the Hungarian Transplant Sports Federation for making this wonderful experience possible and for helping me achieve my goals. It was a wonderful experience to receive this award!”
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Michael Prenner
Italy
Michael Prenner
Three times kidney recipient (1985, 2000, 2022) from Team Italy, Michael Prenner has competed in cycling and ten pin bowling in 16 World Transplant Games, with his first Games being in 1987 in Innsbruck, Austria.
A pioneer of transplant sport in Italy, Michael has drawn attention to transplantation and organ donation by his successes as a transplant athlete. In 1990, Michael founded Transplant Sportclub, the first sports club for transplant recipients in Italy, of which he was President for 30 years.
Michael has also spearheaded numerous national and international events, drawing attention to the success of transplantation, and promoting the message of organ donation. One of these being the Euregio Transplant Tour from Innsbruck to Lake Garda, over 3 days covering more than 300 km with over 100 participants from 9 nations, half of whom are transplant recipients. These events aim to sensitize the public to organ donation and to show that people are capable of top performances thanks to organ donation. At the same time, to say a big thank you to organ donors and donor families.
Michael has competed in 16 World Transplant Games from 1987 to 2023, winning 4 silver and 6 bronze medals. For 25 years (1987 – 2013) he was a successful cyclist and athlete among transplant recipients. His sporting history totals 162 transplant competitions, winning 68 times, taking 2nd place 25 times and 3rd place 16 times. For more than half of his life as a transplant recipient, he tried to encourage others to do sports and thus achieve a better quality of life.
“Thank you for this recognition, I am very honored to be nominated into the Hall of Fame. Thank you!”
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2021
Elizabeth Hosford
United Kingdom
Elizabeth Hosford
Liz was born in 1970 and contracted Henoch Schonlein Purpura in 1988, leading to her kidney transplant from her mother, Christine, in 1990.
A professional freelance musician and Professor of Double Bass at one of the World’s leading music Conservatoires in London, Liz has always made time to compete in both the British and World Transplant Games since 1991. Her first World Games in Vancouver 1993 fuelled her passion for competing, and she has attended every World Games since, managing to have her 2 daughters Harriet and Heidi in between Games in 2002 and 2004. The 24th World Transplant Games in Perth 2023 marked Liz’s 16th World Transplant Games.
Winning over 60 World medals of various colours, Liz has competed in Racquet Sports, Field Athletics, Swimming and Team Games such as Volleyball, Floorball and Kayaking. She has also been British Team Captain twice.
Liz’s joie de vivre is bringing people together and embracing transplantation through sport.
A professional freelance musician and Professor of Double Bass at one of the World’s leading music Conservatoires in London, Liz has always made time to compete in both the British and World Transplant Games since 1991. Her first World Games in Vancouver 1993 fuelled her passion for competing, and she has attended every World Games since, managing to have her 2 daughters Harriet and Heidi in between Games in 2002 and 2004. The 24th World Transplant Games in Perth 2023 marked Liz’s 16th World Transplant Games.
Winning over 60 World medals of various colours, Liz has competed in Racquet Sports, Field Athletics, Swimming and Team Games such as Volleyball, Floorball and Kayaking. She has also been British Team Captain twice.
Liz’s joie de vivre is bringing people together and embracing transplantation through sport.
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2017
Athanasia Botsa
Greece
Athanasia Botsa
Athanasia was born in 1958 in Athens. Nephritis gave its first signs at the age of 6. In 1978 she underwent a kidney transplant, with her mother as her donor. Her life soon changed.
She became the founding member of the Greek Transplant Sports Team, taking part in Greek Games, European Games, and World Transplant Games, winning various medals in athletics and ping-pong. With an academic major in Laboratory Studies, she worked for 30 years in a Public Hospital and has been doing volunteer work in various organisations promoting organ and tissue donation and being active post-transplant.
The Games in Málaga was Athanasia’s 17th World Transplant Games, making her the official athlete to have attended the most World Transplant Games to date at those games. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!
She became the founding member of the Greek Transplant Sports Team, taking part in Greek Games, European Games, and World Transplant Games, winning various medals in athletics and ping-pong. With an academic major in Laboratory Studies, she worked for 30 years in a Public Hospital and has been doing volunteer work in various organisations promoting organ and tissue donation and being active post-transplant.
The Games in Málaga was Athanasia’s 17th World Transplant Games, making her the official athlete to have attended the most World Transplant Games to date at those games. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!
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Kathleen Gerlach
USA
Kathleen Gerlach
Kathleen Gerlach started going to the World Transplant Games in 1980 when it was in New York City, USA.
The 2021 Virtual World Transplant Games, 5k AnyWay marked her 18th World Transplant Games. Since the games first started, Kathleen has only ever missed 3 of the games. Kathleen proclaims that these games have been the best experiences in her life. Kathleen was only 25 years old at her first World Transplant Games in 1980.
Kathleen is so thankful for her gift of life, which has been with her now for over 47 years! Congratulations Kathleen!
The 2021 Virtual World Transplant Games, 5k AnyWay marked her 18th World Transplant Games. Since the games first started, Kathleen has only ever missed 3 of the games. Kathleen proclaims that these games have been the best experiences in her life. Kathleen was only 25 years old at her first World Transplant Games in 1980.
Kathleen is so thankful for her gift of life, which has been with her now for over 47 years! Congratulations Kathleen!
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Erika Kokol
Austria
Erika Kokol
Erika Kokol (Langbauer) is a three times kidney transplanted recipient – 1979, 1992, and 1999.
After her very first transplant she was able to participate in sports and has now attended 17 Summer World Transplant Games. She has also attended nine Winter World Transplant Games. Her achievement at these games has been incredible with various medals won in Table Tennis at almost every single Games.
Erika was also the founding member of the Austrian Transplant Sports Association in 1984, and for many years, the President and Country Representative at the World Transplant Games. Erika continues to promote organ donation and the need for exercise post-transplant.
After her very first transplant she was able to participate in sports and has now attended 17 Summer World Transplant Games. She has also attended nine Winter World Transplant Games. Her achievement at these games has been incredible with various medals won in Table Tennis at almost every single Games.
Erika was also the founding member of the Austrian Transplant Sports Association in 1984, and for many years, the President and Country Representative at the World Transplant Games. Erika continues to promote organ donation and the need for exercise post-transplant.
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Heather Edgell
Australia
Heather Edgell
Heather Edgell is one of organ and tissue donation’s most inspiring success stories. In 1979, after being on dialysis for 2 difficult years, Heather was one of the first people to receive the gift of life in Australia when she underwent a kidney transplant at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Now, 43 years later, Heather has raised her two sons and has 6 grandchildren.
She’s won a staggering 100 Transplant Games medals for athletics, bowling, pétanque and swimming. In 1993, she broke the Transplant Games World Record in her age group in swimming events. She’s seen the world, representing her country at every World Transplant Games since 1987. Her participation in the World Transplant Games has taken Heather to Austria, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Hungary, France, Thailand, England, Sweden, Singapore, and Argentina. Malaga was her 16th World Transplant Games.
On the home front, Heather has been volunteering her time, teaching the disabled how to bowl, and promoting organ and tissue donation for many years. This incredible life, this amazing woman, was made possible all because a person and a family said “yes” to organ donation.
Heather attended the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia, making that games her 17th World Transplant Games.
She’s won a staggering 100 Transplant Games medals for athletics, bowling, pétanque and swimming. In 1993, she broke the Transplant Games World Record in her age group in swimming events. She’s seen the world, representing her country at every World Transplant Games since 1987. Her participation in the World Transplant Games has taken Heather to Austria, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Hungary, France, Thailand, England, Sweden, Singapore, and Argentina. Malaga was her 16th World Transplant Games.
On the home front, Heather has been volunteering her time, teaching the disabled how to bowl, and promoting organ and tissue donation for many years. This incredible life, this amazing woman, was made possible all because a person and a family said “yes” to organ donation.
Heather attended the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia, making that games her 17th World Transplant Games.
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‘Spirit of Leadership’
André Lassooij
The Netherlands
André Lassooij
André underwent a life-changing lung transplant in 1996. Remarkably, just a year later, he participated in his first World Transplant Games in Sydney and went on to compete in 11 more WTG’s, accomplishing three world records. He achieved these records in long jump at WTG in Nancy, as well as in the 100m and 200m events at WTG Gold Coast. In a touching gesture, André presented his 100m world record gold medal to a donor family whose two children were recipients, and another gold medal to express his gratitude towards his lung transplant team.
Throughout his life, André has been actively involved in various boards and organizations. He served as the Chairman of the Dutch Sport and Transplantation, Chairman of the Dutch Sport and Recreation for Heart-Lung Transplant Recipients, Vice-Chairman of the European Heart and Lung Transplant Federation, and Chairman of the LOC Apeldoorn 2012 for the European Heart and Lung Transplant Championships. Additionally, he served as a WTGF Trustee from 2013 to 2021 and held key positions in the Membership Committee, Sport Committee, and as the inaugural Chairman of the new Football Committee. He was also instrumental in introducing the Sprint Triathlon.
In 2014, André accomplished a personal milestone by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Two years later, he embarked on a cycling journey, visiting 15 transplant centres for children across cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Paris, and Madrid, ultimately reaching Malaga in Spain. The purpose of this endeavor was to raise awareness and promote physical activity for children on the transplant waiting list, as well as inspire parents by demonstrating the hopeful future that lies ahead after a transplant. His passion and dedication have helped many fellow recipients.
In recognition of his efforts, André received the prestigious Award of the European Lung Foundation in 2015, acknowledging his role in inspiring people with lung conditions to lead active lives. Although the Dutch Transplant Foundation facilitated a letter of gratitude to André’s unknown donor family a year after his transplant, twenty years later, attempts to reconnect with the family were unsuccessful. To this day, the donor family remains unaware of André’s deep and enduring gratitude for the gift they bestowed upon him.
“Taking care of my body like this has helped me to be able to do more of the things I most like to do.”
It is with immense sadness that we share the news that André Lassooij, passed away in June 2023 after a courageous fight. André’s passion and dedication touched the lives of countless fellow recipients, offering them hope. Let us cherish the memories we shared knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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Chris Thomas
Australia
Chris Thomas
Chris began his transplant journey in 2007 as the CEO of Transplant Australia. With a background in journalism and media consulting for the Australian Medical Association, he brought valuable expertise to the role.
His passion for the World Transplant Games was ignited in 2007 when he accompanied the Australian team to Bangkok, Thailand. Inspired by the achievements of transplant recipients and the spirit of camaraderie, Chris fell in love with the event.
In 2008, Chris organized the Australian Transplant Games in Perth, laying the foundation for the successful staging of the 2009 World Transplant Games in the Gold Coast, Australia, where he served as chairman. He was elected as a Trustee of the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) and played a leading role in communications.
Chris introduced new initiatives such as a revised accounting system, a fresh logo and brand guidelines for the WTGF. His efforts were recognized at the 2013 World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa, where he was elected to the executive committee and served as Treasurer.
In 2015, Chris was elected President of the WTGF, a position he held for eight years. Under his leadership, the organization achieved milestones like professionalizing management staff, incorporating as a legal entity, and launching the Fit For Life program. He also fostered partnerships with the International Olympic Committee and raised the profile of the WTGF globally.
Chris’s tenure saw the inclusion of WTGF programs and brand in major congresses and events worldwide. He introduced virtual events, a rehabilitation program, and initiatives supporting research and youth engagement in the transplantation community.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Chris’s leadership, vision, and compassion have shaped the WTGF and raised awareness for organ donation.
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Dr Fatemeh Hashemi
Iran
Fatemah Hashemi Bahremani
Introduced to transplant patients by her father during his presidency of Iran, Fatemeh developed a deep concern for their well-being. This led her to closely monitor the conditions of transplanted individuals and those with special diseases in hospitals, providing regular reports to her father. Motivated by the realization that medicine alone cannot provide a complete treatment, Fatemeh recognized the importance of introducing sports into the lives of these patients.
With a comprehensive plan in mind, she took action and was subsequently elected by the Ministry of Sports and Youth as the President of the Transplant Sports Association. Soon after, she also assumed the role of President of the Specific Patients and Transplant Sports Federation.
Over the past 12 years, Fatemeh has been dedicated to organizing educational, training, and competitive events. Currently, there are 31 active boards in each province of Iran, offering sports services to more than 3000 transplant patients and 6000 specific patients.
Among her most cherished memories was the opportunity to participate in the World Transplant Games in Australia 1997, where she represented her organization as the sole participant. This experience continues to inspire her, driving her efforts to provide every transplanted patient with the chance to partake in global events.
“Being included in the WTGF’s Hall of Fame has increased my strength and effort to do more for transplanted patients in sports”
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Gary Green
USA
Gary Green
Gary Green was pivotal in launching the US Transplant Games, growing the event from 600 to 5000 participants over the years.
His past experience was as Executive Director of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), leadership roles with the September 11th Families Association – 9/11 Tribute Center, the American Lung Association of New York, Vice-President with the National Kidney Foundation, and previously Director of the Gift of Life Initiative. Prior to that, Gary served as Regional Director for the NKF serving the northeastern U.S. and Executive Director for the Kidney Foundation of Maryland.
Gary attended his first World Games in Vancouver in 1993 and has been with the World Transplant Games Federation ever since. Elected onto the Council in 1995 and serving as Chair of the Sports and the Judiciary Committees. He was also elected to the Executive Board first as Treasurer and then Honorary Secretary. Gary currently serves as the WTGF Sports Manager as well as team manager for Team USA.
“I love inspiring people to achieve more than they thought possible, there’s no better contribution I can make”.
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HEATHER FISHER
CANADA
Heather Fisher
Heather Fisher is a household name in the world of transplantation in Canada. As the second longest surviving liver transplant recipient of 36 years, (April 1983), Heather continues to live life to the fullest, while supporting organ donation awareness events in her community and beyond.
She is a trail blazing pioneer, and retired nurse, who in her second chance at life:
- climbed Mount Kilimanjaro successfully as the first liver transplant recipient
- competed in numerous World Transplant Games and Canadian Transplant Games, garnering medals at every games she participated as an athlete in whether it was cycling, track and field, rowing skulls, badminton, petanque, bowling, volleyball.
- volunteered in children’s winter games, utilizing her nursing skills and games expertise.
- co-founded the national Canadian Transplant Games
- co-chaired the 2005 World Transplant Games held in London ON
- held a variety of roles over the years, as an executive member of the Canadian Transplant Association charity, and was the liaison member for the World Transplant Games Federation
- serves on the London Health Sciences Centre, Transplant Awareness Committee
- continues to assist in the annual London Ontario Transplant Trot event
In addition to transplant games, Heather competes in national and international Masters field events, having recently taken up throwing things: javelin, discus and shot put!
Heather continues to inspire others and is living proof that transplants work.
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JUDIT BERENTE
HUNGARY
Judit Berente
Judit always had a keen interest in sport and wanted to be a PE teacher from an early age. At 16 she knew that she was going to need a kidney transplant and she decided to be proactive in her own care by keeping active and reading up on all the information available.
Judit received her kidney transplant 23 years ago and was recovering from some post-transplant complications when she met a girl who had been to the World Transplant Games in Manchester in 1995. On hearing about the opportunities offered in transplant sports she was immediately hooked and travelled to the 1997 Games in Sydney. In 1999 she was a member of the LOC for the World Transplant Games in Budapest. In the following year she got involved in the development of the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation.
In the years since, Judit has competed at the World Transplant Summer and Winter Games as well as the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships on many occasions – she is a fantastic swimmer and has also been very successful in cross-country skiing.
Judit has served on the Council of the World Transplant Games Federation and she continues to hold the role of President of the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation. Throughout her sporting career she has helped ensure that Hungary is at the fore-front of transplant and dialysis sport, devoting a huge amount of her personal time to encouraging others to get involved in transplant sport.
Judit received her kidney transplant 23 years ago and was recovering from some post-transplant complications when she met a girl who had been to the World Transplant Games in Manchester in 1995. On hearing about the opportunities offered in transplant sports she was immediately hooked and travelled to the 1997 Games in Sydney. In 1999 she was a member of the LOC for the World Transplant Games in Budapest. In the following year she got involved in the development of the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation.
In the years since, Judit has competed at the World Transplant Summer and Winter Games as well as the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Championships on many occasions – she is a fantastic swimmer and has also been very successful in cross-country skiing.
Judit has served on the Council of the World Transplant Games Federation and she continues to hold the role of President of the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation. Throughout her sporting career she has helped ensure that Hungary is at the fore-front of transplant and dialysis sport, devoting a huge amount of her personal time to encouraging others to get involved in transplant sport.
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Karl Handschuch
GERMANY
KARL HANDSCHUCH
Karl Handschuch was lieutenant colonel at German Bundeswehr when he fell ill with a severe kidney disease. Fortunately, after a difficult period on dialysis, he was transplanted with a donor kidney. Almost immediately Karl started training to improve his physical activity.
Karl traveled with a small group of German kidney recipients to Portesmouth/UK, participating in the first Kidney Olympics. He became the role of the speaker for all German speaking participants. 1987 the group participated at the World Transplant Games in Lake Placid/USA. On their way home, still at the airport in New York, these people established, Deutsche Sportvereiningung für Nierentransplantierte e. V.
From this first worldwide event in Lake Placid, Karl was in contact with Maurice Slapac (WTGF Founding President) to give transplant sports structure and rules. He became an integral part of our leadership and history as a Federation. In all these 30 years, interrupted for three years because the damage of his donor kidney, Karl constantly gave manpower to support the idea of physical activity (sports) after organ transplantation. Karl, called “KARLO” was for many years a member of the board of TransDia Sport Deutschland, and is honored today as TransDias “Hon. Senior President”. He also served for many years as a councillor fort he WTGF.
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LIZ SCHICK
SWITZERLAND
Liz Schick
Liz is British born and living in Switzerland with her husband and family – she received her liver transplant in 1998. Ever since her transplant Liz has put her energy into helping other transplant recipients to a life of health and fitness. This especially applies to children through the annual Transplant Adventure Camps for Kids (TACKERS).
Liz founded TACKERS in 2002 – since then17 winter camps have been held in Anzère, Switzerland with hundreds of children, from around 35 different countries, participating over the years. The aim is for the children to develop their independence by trying new activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sleighing, scuba-diving and paragliding and to develop a support network to help their families and each other.
The camps provide an environment outside of the hospital to educate the children to comply with their post-transplant medication programme, promote good health and a fulfilling life and most importantly have fun! Camp rebuilds their confidence and shows them and their parents that they can live life independently, like others. It is also a unique way to educate and promote the positive results of organ donation and transplantation to transplant recipients, healthcare professionals and the general public.
Liz also helps to organise conferences on the topic of organ donation and transplantation as well as speaking at worldwide congresses and competing in the winter and summer World Transplant Games.
In 2011, Liz was elected to the World Transplant Games Federation Council and now sits on the Board of Trustees as an Executive member with the title of Honorary Secretary since 2016. She also works as project manager for Swisstransplant.
A few years ago Liz even climbed Kilimanjaro! She will never be able to thank her donor’s family enough although she thanks them every single day.
Following the General Assembly of the WTGF at the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia, the Board of Trustees met and elected Honorary Secretary Liz Schick as the new President of the World Transplant Games Federation. Liz will serve her term for eight years.
“The transplant community is my family, and together we will continue to celebrate the gift of life and thank our donors by holding inspiring events for the transplant community. Most importantly, we will create awareness for organ donation and highlight the need to be physically active to keep our transplanted organs as long as possible and for the transplant community’s mental wellbeing. I am extremely grateful to be entrusted in this position and be a voice for the global transplant community.” Liz Schick – WTGF President.
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LYNNE HOLT
UNITED KINGDOM
Lynne Holt
Lynne first became involved in transplantation 40 years ago as sister- in- charge of the Intensive Care at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. The first UK heart transplant programme had started at the hospital only months before her arrival, and she was responsible for caring for the newly transplanted patients, developing protocols and training all staff.
They were exciting and challenging times in those early days of heart transplantation. Lynne became very involved and soon realized that she wanted to specialise in this field. She was the first Clinical Transplant Coordinator appointment in the UK when she moved to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle 33 years ago. Her role involved coordinating the whole transplant process from when the patient is referred for assessment, joins the waiting list, to receiving offers of organs, organizing the theatre teams, retrievals and supporting the patients and their families throughout the whole transplant journey, training, advisory role to other centres nationally and internationally.
Lynne has been involved as a volunteer for Transplant Sport since 1982 and a World Transplant Games Federation Councillor from 2007-2015.
Lynne is committed to making a difference in promoting awareness of organ donation and has been involved in organising the British Transplant Games, fundraising and PR events, numerous satellite sport events in the UK and abroad, including Children’s ski camps, the European Transplant and Dialysis Games, the World Winter and Summer Transplant Games. In 2019 the WTG were held in NewcastleGateshead, UK and Lynne was the invaluable World Games team coordinator.
Lynne is probably best-known worldwide as the popular Team Manager for Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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DR MAURICE SLAPAK
UNITED KINGDOM
Dr. Maurice Slapak
Founding President, World Transplant Games Federation (1978–2004)
Dr Maurice Slapak was a pioneering British transplant surgeon whose vision led to the creation of the international transplant sports movement and ultimately the World Transplant Games Federation.
In 1978, Dr Slapak organised the first international Transplant Games in Portsmouth, England. Then known as the “Transplant Olympics,” the event brought together 99 transplant recipients from five countries. His purpose was simple but groundbreaking: to demonstrate visibly to the world that transplantation worked, and that recipients could return not only to good health, but to active and fulfilling lives.
What began with those 99 athletes developed into a global movement. Dr Slapak became the founding President of the World Transplant Games Federation and led the organisation for 26 years, until 2004. Under his leadership, the World Transplant Games grew significantly, national transplant sports organisations and Games were established around the world, and increasing numbers of transplant recipients discovered the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport and an active lifestyle.
Dr Slapak was a passionate advocate for organ donation and recognised the unique power of transplant recipients themselves to demonstrate the impact of the Gift of Life. Through the Games and the Federation’s wider work, he helped bring transplantation and organ donation to public attention internationally.
Read more about Dr. Maurice Slapak.
Dr Maurice Slapak was a pioneering British transplant surgeon whose vision led to the creation of the international transplant sports movement and ultimately the World Transplant Games Federation.
In 1978, Dr Slapak organised the first international Transplant Games in Portsmouth, England. Then known as the “Transplant Olympics,” the event brought together 99 transplant recipients from five countries. His purpose was simple but groundbreaking: to demonstrate visibly to the world that transplantation worked, and that recipients could return not only to good health, but to active and fulfilling lives.
What began with those 99 athletes developed into a global movement. Dr Slapak became the founding President of the World Transplant Games Federation and led the organisation for 26 years, until 2004. Under his leadership, the World Transplant Games grew significantly, national transplant sports organisations and Games were established around the world, and increasing numbers of transplant recipients discovered the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport and an active lifestyle.
Dr Slapak was a passionate advocate for organ donation and recognised the unique power of transplant recipients themselves to demonstrate the impact of the Gift of Life. Through the Games and the Federation’s wider work, he helped bring transplantation and organ donation to public attention internationally.
Read more about Dr. Maurice Slapak.
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OLIVIER COUSTERE
FRANCE
Olivier Coustere
Mr. Olivier Coustere from France served as the WTGF President from 2004 until 2015, a period of 12 years. Prior to this he held the position of Executive Secretary (1995 – 2003) and a councillor (1993 – 1994). Olivier currently continues his work with the Federation as a councillor.
Olivier, who has had three kidney transplants (1982, 1994 & 2006) is also the founder of Trans-Forme, the French Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation, and has been actively involved with them for the past 27 years.
Read more about Olivier Coustere.
Olivier, who has had three kidney transplants (1982, 1994 & 2006) is also the founder of Trans-Forme, the French Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation, and has been actively involved with them for the past 27 years.
Read more about Olivier Coustere.
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Orien Young
Awarded Posthumously
Orien Young
It is with great sadness that the World Transplant Games Federation noted the passing on 30th September 2016 of Orien Young, 85, of Portsmouth, in the United Kingdom.
Orien was one of the key figures in the Federation’s early history and development, serving as a member of the WTGF Council and the chair of the Sport Committee for many years.
His passion was athletics – specifically the sprinting events – and was himself an international competitor and club record holder. His contributions to athletics, in particular in his coaching, officiating, and managing of the Portsmouth Athletic Club, earned him the gratitude of legions of athletes, parents, and athletics supporters. He served as club president for many years, and as a result of his work, was named an honorary Life Vice President. During his life he became a dialysis patient and subsequently received two kidney transplants.
As a tribute to his life of sports and his contributions to so many, his memorial service on 27th October began at the Portsmouth Athletic Club’s competition venue in Alexandra Park with his family and friends accompanying him on his final 100 meters.
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Peter Griffin
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY
Peter Griffin
Peter Griffin was a British physician who played a key role in developing the World Transplant Games Federation over the course of almost thirty years of service. Working with Maurice Slapak, Peter’s key contributions to the organization were his attention to the details of the Federation’s activities and his passion for sports. He believed that the World Transplant Games should always illustrate the best of athletics and sport, and that an athlete’s desire to excel should only be exceeded by his honor as a sportsman.
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