Houston is awarded the 2014 Transplant Games of America

Transplant Games of America


HOUSTON, TX â€" On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, officials from the Transplant Games of America® (TGA) announced the City of Houston has been awarded the 2014 Transplant Games. The multi-sport festival will attract organ, tissue, and bone marrow transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from across the country.

The successful bid was submitted by the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, who will manage the games under the auspices of the TGA. The Transplant Games will take place July 10-15, 2014, utilizing BBVA Compass Stadium, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and various other facilities throughout the City of Houston.

Bill Ryan, President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America stated, “Houston won out over a number of exceptional communities for a variety of reasons. The Sports Authority bid clearly demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to the rich history of the Transplant Games and the cause of organ donation and transplantation.” Ryan added, “The local medical community played a great role in the selection of Houston for the Transplant Games and the leadership and professionalism of the nationally recognized Harris County - Houston Sports Authority created an unmatched excitement in bringing the games to this community.”

Expecting in excess of 2,000 athletes, sporting events include a 5K run, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, racquetball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field. “I can’t wait for Houston to host the Games,” said Brian Gilliam, a Houston transplant recipient and athlete. “We will have a large number of Living Donors and Donor Families attend since the games are in Houston and they are reason that we compete!”

Aside from the sporting competition which will take place over four days, the event will include a spectacular opening and closing ceremonies and a series of tributes to many of the heroes of organ donation. Athletes and their families, donor families, and thousands of supporters will gather at Athletes Village to help deliver the important message that organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives.
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{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}

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