Thousands of organ recipients, donors, and their families are converging on Salt Lake City to compete in the 2018 Donate Life Transplant Games of America, August 2 – 7, 2018. Kicking-off the six days of events and competitions, the Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday, August 3 at Smith's Ballpark, 77 West 1300 South. Gates will open at 6pm, with festivities beginning at 6:45pm, including the Parade of Athletes. Nationally recognized indie rock band The Moth & The Flame will take the stage at 8:45pm.
About to release their newest album, TMTF is comprised of Provo natives, Brandon Robbins, Mark Garbett and Andrew Tolman. Robbins became a passionate advocate of organ donation when he decided to donate a kidney to his longtime friend, mentor and Velour music club owner, Corey Fox.
"I've gotten to know Moth front man, Brandon Robbins, over the last year. In addition to his incredible musical talent, I'm not sure that I've ever met anyone as selfless. He is truly an inspiration and I am so honored to have the opportunity to work with him, Mark and Andrew," said Transplant Games producer Sue Brady.
"The transplant community is my family now, and Utah is where the band was born. To perform in this place for these amazing people will really feel like home," stated Robbins.
Simon Keith, British soccer player and founder of the Simon Keith Foundation, will serve as emcee for the Opening Ceremonies. Keith is the first athlete to have played professional sports after having undergone a heart transplant.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to support children who have undergone a life-saving organ transplant, The Simon Keith Foundation is especially committed to programs that assist those who desire a return to an active and healthy lifestyle," said Keith. "The ability for youth to compete in the Donate Life Transplant Games of America showcases the incredible gift of life that they have received, while celebrating the heroic donors and donor families. Personally, I am incredibly privileged and honored to be able to support this event by acting as the emcee for the Opening Ceremonies."
Tickets for this event are free to the public and can be accessed .
The 2018 Transplant Games are more than just an athletic event. It highlights the critical importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation, while celebrating the lives of organ donors and recipients. An estimated 6,000 athletes and transplant supporters will be attending the games, bringing in an estimated $8-10 million in economic benefit to Utah.
Sporting events are scheduled at the following venues: the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, the Fairmont Aquatic Center, Meadowbrook Golf Course, and Bonwood Bowling Alley. All track & field events will be held at West High School. Tennis and racquetball will be held at the Salt Lake Tennis & Health Club and Redwood Recreation Center, respectively.
"The Transplant Games are a great opportunity to let donor families know how grateful we are," said Dawn Black, a liver transplant recipient who's competing in this year's games. "I think it gives them a little peace of mind knowing that their loved one was able to help so many different people with their selfless act of organ donation."
The 2018 Donate Life Transplant Games are hosted locally by Intermountain Donor Services, Intermountain Healthcare, Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ Care, Utah Sports Commission, VA Hospital of Salt Lake City, and Visit Salt Lake. For more information about the Transplant Games of America please visit: www.transplantgamesofamerica.org.
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