Team Rocky Mountain Excels at Transplant Games of America 2018

The Donate Life Transplant Games of America were held in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 2-7, 2018. Occurring every two years, the games bring together people all around the nation who have been touched by organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation.

Representing Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, Team Rocky Mountain, was comprised of 25 recipient participants and 3 living donors. The team had a blast this year and proudly took home many medals. They competed in a variety of events ranging from running, to track and field, to ballroom dancing and Texas Hold’em. Members of the team finished the games taking home 27 Gold medals, 20 Silver medals, and 12 Bronze medals between them.

Team Rocky Mountain also participated in setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of solid organ transplant recipients in one place with 540 recipients! The cheers were deafening as all the recipients stood together taking in their special moment!

Most Rocky Mountain Team members reside in Colorado, with a new addition this year of a recipient and his living donor from Jackson, Wyoming. Team Rocky Mountain doubled in size since the last Transplant Games in 2016. It was exciting to see the camaraderie develop among the team and their loved ones. Many members of Team Rocky Mountain expressed how touching the experience of the Transplant Games was for them to be with over 3000 people who are connected by their stories and so grateful to be alive. Many made new friends all over the nation and friends they hope tp meet again at the next games.

A complete list of results can be viewed here. If you are interested in attending the Transplant Games of America as a participant, please visit the Transplant Games of America website or email Michael Wells with Team Rocky Mountain at michael1999dec2@yahoo.com.

Learn more about donation and transplantation here. To register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit DonateLife Colorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.